Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Uttar Pradesh Priest Arrested for Child Exploitation, International Trafficking
Police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested a temple priest accused of luring minor girls and sexually exploiting them, with evidence suggesting involvement in the production and international sale of abuse material. Investigators said the accused used the pretext of distributing religious offerings to gain access to victims.
LSN India ·
Law enforcement authorities in Uttar Pradesh have arrested a priest following a criminal investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse and trafficking. The accused is accused of using his position within a temple to target vulnerable girls visiting the religious site.
According to police investigators, the suspect employed a deliberate method to isolate his victims. He would invite young girls into a secluded room within the temple premises under the guise of offering them 'prasad', a sacred food offering distributed during religious ceremonies. Once inside the room, authorities allege the priest engaged in sexual assault.
The investigation uncovered evidence suggesting a wider criminal network involving the production and distribution of exploitative material. Police said the accused recorded videos documenting the abuse and subsequently sold the content to buyers abroad, indicating an international dimension to the crimes.
The case has prompted serious concerns about child safety in religious spaces. Authorities have initiated proceedings to examine whether other victims exist and whether additional individuals were involved in the trafficking operation. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to establish the full extent of the crimes and identify international recipients of the illicit material.