Mangaluru Priest Arrested Over Alleged Abuse of Five Teens

A priest serving at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Valencia, Mangaluru, has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting five 14‑year‑old boys. Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the arrest took place at the priest’s relative’s home after the investigation. ## What Happened The complaint lodged on the night of October 15 alleges that one boy was offered chocolate and told the priest liked his smile before being led to a church room where the priest touched him inappropriately. The same boy said the priest continued the misconduct during later visits for prayers. On August 14, the priest reportedly called the child to a reception area, embraced him and placed his hands inside the boy’s undergarments. The victim then shared the incident with four classmates, all aged 14, who said they had faced similar behavior. The boy’s parents took the matter to the Mangalore Bishop, who directed them to file a formal complaint. The police have registered charges under Sections 8 and 9 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and Section 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The priest will be presented before a magistrate after interrogation and related procedures are completed. ## Context Cases involving clergy and child sexual abuse are rare but attract strong public attention, especially when legal provisions like the POCSO Act are invoked. The involvement of the local bishop highlights the church’s role in responding to such allegations.