A temple priest in Bengaluru charged with the rape of a minor

A 62-year-old priest has been charged for committing the rape of a 10-year-old girl, within the premises of his daughter’s residence, structured within the Devanahalli temple, based in the northern outskirts of Bengaluru city, according to a senior police official.

Venkataramanappa, the accused, planned to visit his daughter, who stays along with husband at an allocated residence in Chowdeshwari Temple.

Venkataramanappa has two daughters, married to priests who are now based in Yelahanka and Devanahalli, and he resides with his wife in Chikkaballpura.

The incident happened, on Tuesday evening. According to C K Baba, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast), around 4.30 pm on Tuesday evening, Venkataramanappa eyed the girl who was playing near his daughter’s house. The girl, lives with her family, in the nearby locality. He allured the minor girl with sweets, took the girl into his daughter’s house and then raped her, DCP said.

The girl walked out crying and scared

When the girl did not return home, her family got tensed, and starting searching her around. A flower-seller woman, help the parents by giving the information that she had seen her go to the priest’s residence. Just as the family reached the priest’s house, the girl walked out crying and scared. Though, she revealed the entire incident, and crowd gathered in a while. The police officials were hailed, and the girl, along with her parents were directed to the government hospital for medical tests, Baba said.

Venkataramanappa was taken for interrogation, after checking the CCTV footage and based on the statement of the flower vendor. Venkataramanappa has been charged with rape according to IPC and also under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and arrested. The police revealed that the 62-year-old priest confessed, and he has been remanded in judicial custody.

• Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Sudden Retirement from International Cricket
• Free Cancer Vaccine Distribution in Russia from 2025: A Remarkable Medical Breakthrough
• Train Services Delayed Between Bengaluru-Mysuru: Introduction of New Train Numbers
• One Nation, One Election Bill Presented in Lok Sabha: Strong Opposition from Parties
• Tragic Accident in Raichur: Overturned Lorry Kills Three PWD Officials