75-Year-Old Temple Priest Arrested for Sexual Abuse of Minor in Tamil Nadu Temple

Police have reported that the incident occurred last month at a temple located in Thiruvalanchuzhi.

A 75-year-old temple priest has been taken into custody under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl inside a temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.

According to police reports, the incident took place last month at a temple in Thiruvalanchuzhi, which is a shrine under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.

The accused, identified as Viswanatha Iyer, who had served as the temple's chief priest for several years, allegedly committed the abuse. On September 8, the 13-year-old survivor had visited the temple with her family for darshan. When she went alone to the hundi (offertory box) area to make an offering, the elderly priest allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior with her.

After conducting a thorough investigation, police stated that the allegations were confirmed to be valid, leading to the arrest of the priest under relevant sections of the POCSO Act.

A senior police officer confirmed the incident to NDTV, stating, "Yes, this happened recently in the temple. After inquiry, we found the allegations true and have arrested him."