Kochi: A 38-year-old man was arrested by the North Paravur police on Saturday for allegedly misbehaving with a minor girl at a restaurant. The accused, identified as Akhil, a native of Paravur, was caught by other customers at the eatery and handed over to the police, but not before being thrashed by some in the crowd.

According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a man arrived at the restaurant with his two children. The man, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, later summoned his friend Akhil, who was also intoxicated. When the father collapsed on the floor, his children attempted to help him up. It was then that Akhil allegedly misbehaved with the girl, the man’s daughter.

Alert customers intervened, restrained Akhil, and informed the police. Both Akhil and the girl’s father were taken into custody. While the father was later released on bail, Akhil was booked under Sections 7 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was produced before court and remanded in judicial custody.

North Paravur police said a separate case may be registered if Akhil lodges a complaint regarding the assault by members of the public.