UDUPI: Journalist Chandra K Hemmady , who was arrested for sexually harassing minor boys, has been charged in 21 different cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. It’s first time that an accused has been charged in 21 cases; more charges are expected.On Monday, Hemmady was produced before the Udupi district court and Judge Venkatesh Naik sent him to judicial custody till December 17. The complaints against him were filed in different police stations, including Byndoor (16 cases), Gangolli (3), Kollur and Kundapur Rural (one each). He was arrested on November 28 by Byndoor police and remanded to three days police custody.Vijaya Vasu Poojary, district special public prosecutor, told mediapersons Hemmady has not applied for bail. “Though he told the court that he has an advocate from Kundapur, no one appeared on his behalf. As it’s a Pocso case, there is no possibility that the government will appoint an advocate for him,” he added.The case came to light when the parent of a boy complained against the journalist. Byndoor circle inspector Parameshwara arrested Hemmadi early Wednesday morning from his house. Chandra abused children on the pretext of teaching them photography, music and other skills. He took teachers and parents into confidence. Investigation revealed that children who resisted him were threatened at knife-point, said SP Laxman Nimburgi.

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