Catholic Priest held for sexually abusing minor boys in Kerala

KOCHI: The accused, Fr George alias Fr Jerry Thareparambil aged 40 was arrested on Sunday after six residents of the boys home escaped on Saturday evening.

Issuing a statement about the incident, Joy Mathew, CI of Palluruthy said, "After getting intimation about the boys roaming around, a police party was sent to the spot. When asked, the children were uncomfortable talking about their problem in public. Later they admitted about the abuse by the priest when we asked in private. We have also recorded the confession statement of the priest. The priest belongs to the ODC congregation and there were a couple of other priests at the home as well. The boys however had no complaints against them," said the circle inspector.

The accused was arrested and was presented before a magistrate early in the morning and was remanded in judicial custody, and the victims' parents were intimated about the move.

He was booked under Section 377 (unnatural offence) of the IPC, Sections 7 (touch with sexual intent), 8 (sexual assault) and 9 D (assault by someone responsible for the protection of the child) read with 10 (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) of the Pocso Act and Section 75 (punishment for cruelty to child) of the Juvenile Justice Act.