Pathanamthitta: Orthodox church priest arrested for alleged sexual assault on teenage girl
Date Published:
03/17/2022
Publication: NewsNine
Pondson John, 35, vicar of Othodox Valiyapally in Koodal in Pathanamthitta district, was arrested from his house in Koduman.
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The priest allegedly molested the 17-year-old girl when her mother took her for counseling
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Based on a tip off from her teacher, the Childline informed the police
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Police took statement from the girl and registered a POCSO case on March 16
A priest belonging to Orthodox Church in Pathanamtitta was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a minor girl. Pondson John, 35, vicar of Othodox Valiyapally in Koodal in Pathanamthitta district, was arrested from his house in Koduman by a team of officials from Pathanamthitta women police station on Thursday. A case has been registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
According to the police, the incident happened on March 12 when the mother of the 17-year-old survivor approached the priest with a request for counseling and prayer at his residence in Koodal. The priest allegedly molested the girl then and again sexually harassed her at her house the next day. Based on a tip off from her teacher, the Childline informed the police, which launched an investigation. Police inspector A R Leelama took statement from the girl and registered a case on March 16.