Kerala Temple Priest Apprehended in Bengaluru Over Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor Brothers
In a distressing development from Kozhikode, the Vadakara police have made a significant arrest in connection with a harrowing case involving the alleged sexual assault of two minor siblings. The authorities took into custody a temple priest on Tuesday, bringing a measure of relief to a case that has shocked the local community.
Details of the Arrest and the Accused
The individual arrested has been identified as Sampath, a 36-year-old native of Karunagappally in the Kollam district. According to police reports, he was apprehended in Bengaluru, where he had been hiding after the allegations surfaced. The arrest was executed while he was allegedly attempting to flee to New Delhi, indicating a desperate bid to evade justice.
Police investigations reveal that the accused had previously worked as a priest at several temples in Vadakara and its surrounding areas, a detail that adds a layer of betrayal to the allegations given the trust typically placed in religious figures.
Background of the Case and the Victims
The victims in this case are two brothers, aged 12 and six, who have endured unimaginable trauma. The police narrative outlines how the accused became acquainted with the children's mother during a train journey, following her separation from her husband. This chance meeting led to the woman and her children living with the accused at various locations.
It was during this period that the children were allegedly subjected to repeated sexual assaults. In a further act of cruelty, the victims reported to the police that the accused also inflicted physical injuries on them using a hot iron box and pins. To compound their suffering, he threatened them with dire consequences if they ever disclosed the abuse, instilling fear and silence.
Legal Proceedings and Police Action
The case came to light when the mother, upon learning about the assaults, courageously approached the Vadakara police with her children and filed a formal complaint on January 16. This prompt action set the wheels of justice in motion, but the accused went into hiding shortly after, complicating the investigation.
Undeterred, the police launched a meticulous manhunt, ultimately tracking Sampath to Bengaluru. His arrest marks a critical step in ensuring accountability. Following his apprehension, he was produced before the Vadakara judicial first class magistrate court, where he was remanded in judicial custody, pending further legal proceedings.
This case underscores the vigilance required in protecting vulnerable minors and the importance of community and law enforcement collaboration in addressing such heinous crimes. The Vadakara police's efforts in swiftly locating and arresting the accused highlight their commitment to justice, even across state lines.
