Priest Arrested on Sodomy Charges

The Hindu
February 18, 2016

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/priest-arrested-on-sodomy-charges/article8255574.ece

The Ernakulam rural police have arrested a Christian priest for allegedly sodomising at least five minors of a welfare hostel in Perumbavoor.

The accused has been identified as the 35-year-old John Philipose, a native of Pathanamthitta and manager of the Balagram Balamandir in Valayanchirangara near here. The incident came to light when a 14-year-old inmate explained the incident to his teachers during a counselling session. Following this, the school management approached the Child Line, who, in turn, lodged a police complaint. “Investigations revealed that the accused had been abusing and assaulting the inmates here for the last two years. In addition to boys, he is also suspected to have abused a couple of girl inmates here’’, said Honey K Das, sub-inspector of police.

Other instances

The welfare home accommodates as many as 39 underprivileged children, including 19 girls, aged up to 18. Police are trying to find out whether other children were abused and if there were any other suspects. The accused has been booked under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012 and remanded in custody.