Kerala Priest Arrested For Alleged Sexual Abuse of 10-Yr-Old Girl

The crime reportedly took place on 8 October when the victim had gone to the church to take Bible lessons.

The crime reportedly took place on 8 October when the victim had gone to the church for taking Bible lessons.

(Photo: The Quint)

A 65-year-old Kerala priest, Father Devaraj, was arrested in Thiruvananthapuram on 9 October for allegedly sexually abusing a 10-year-old schoolgirl inside a church.

The crime reportedly took place on 8 October when the victim had gone to the church for taking Bible lessons, said a police officer.

The accused Devaraj of Kandanthitta CSI church will be produced before a magistrate on Tuesday.

Also Read: In the Name of Faith: 3 Women Talk About Sexual Abuse by Priests

A case has been registered under Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act and section 376 of IPC (Rape) has been registered against the priest, police said.

The girl’s father alleged that he saw his daughter being abused by the accused when he came to pick her up, and immediately informed the police.

The accused has been functioning as the priest in the church for the past one year.

(With PTI inputs)