The “nail man” has been finally nailed.

After assaulting three minors in the Patna City area, Alamganj police personnel finally nabbed the mystery man. The assailant turned out to be a 22-year-old mentally challenged youth, Mohammed Guddu.

At least three attacks involving schoolchildren had been reported at the police station last week, triggering a manhunt for the suspect. Guddu was arrested from his residence at the Chand Colony locality.

Akil Ahmed, the Alamganj police station house officer, told The Telegraph that the attacker comes from a lower-middle class family and appeared to be mentally challenged.

“The victims were questioned in connection with the physical appearance of the attacker. Following this, a sketch of the victim was drawn and circulated. Today (Tuesday), the police got a tip-off about the attacker and he was arrested from his residence. The man was produced in front of the three youngsters, who had been attacked and they immediately recognised him. The man is being questioned at present.”

He added: “The police would consult doctors to know whether he is normal or not. His mother and elder brother claimed that he has a mental condition and scratches people unknowingly.”

On Saturday, Guddu had slapped and scratched a child. The victim had narrated the incident to his teacher following which a formal complaint was lodged at Alamganj police station. A day before, another student had faced a similar attack. The attacks had triggered panic and some parents had even stopped sending their children to school.

Psychiatrists, however, believe it could be a case of some mental illness or a personality disorder. “The victim can be a petty criminal or it could be a case of a personality disorder. In such cases, the patient might develop anti-social tendencies, which can be short-lived or last for long. It could be a case of mental illness. While mental illness can be cured, the treatment is limited for those suffering from personality disorders,” said Pramod Kumar Singh, head of department, psychiatry, Patna Medical College and Hospital.