Temple priest held for assaulting minor girl

Thiruvananthapuram: Chithara police have arrested a 22-year-old temple priest for the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl. The accused Abhin was arrested under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

According to police, the accused was known to the survivor. The assault reportedly began at the survivor's residence last Sept.

He reportedly continued to assault her multiple times thereafter. The survivor told police that Abhin coerced her by threatening to inform her family about the situation.

"The survivor attempted suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills and self-harm, however her family rushed her to a hospital. It was during subsequent medical counselling that she revealed the sexual assault," a police officer said.

Acting on the information provided by survivor, police arrested Abhin from Kurakkode.

He was produced before a magistrate and was remanded to judicial custody.