Police arrest cleric for repeatedly raping ‘possessed’ minor girl in Chitradurga; slapped with POCSO

Chitradurga (Karnataka): Karnataka police arrested a priest in Chitradurga on Monday on suspicion of repeatedly raping a minor girl on the pretext of ridding her of her possession by evil spirits. The priest also persuaded the victim’s brother to sexually abuse her as a remedy.

Police statement on the incident

The incident was reported from the Chitradurga Women’s Police Station area and the police have filed a POCSO case against the accused. According to the police, the minor victim used to go to a mosque to read the Quran for three years. The accused had told her parents that she was possessed by evil spirits and a special ritual had to be performed in her house.

For six to seven months, he visited the girl’s house once a week. During each visit, he took the victim and her brother into a room and ordered the parents to leave the room.

The priest had brainwashed the victim’s brother into believing that she was possessed by evil spirits and needed sexual treatment. He also made him sexually abuse the victim under the pretext of healing her. The accused even filmed the act and raped her too. According to the police, this went on for six months.

Incident comes to light

The incident came to light when the parents took their daughter to the doctor after she complained of stomach pain. Further investigations are underway following a complaint filed by the victim’s mother. Police have also filed charges against the victim’s brother. Further details will be announced.