In a disturbing case involving alleged sexual exploitation and blackmail, a widow from Bengaluru has filed a police complaint against two priests from a prominent temple in Thrissur, Kerala. The woman, Ratna, a resident of Bellandur, accused the men of forcing her into a nude video call and attempting to sexually assault her. One of the priests has been arrested, while the temple’s chief priest remains absconding.
Ratna, who has been raising two children alone since her husband’s death in 2016, sought spiritual guidance during a difficult period in her life. She came across the Peringottukara Temple on Instagram and believed she was under the influence of black magic.
She was contacted by a priest named Arun, who offered to perform a ritual to “remove the curse” in exchange for ₹24,000. As per the complaint, he obtained her phone number and began making late-night WhatsApp video calls, appearing nude and insisting she participate similarly as part of the ritual.
When Ratna resisted, Arun allegedly threatened to conduct a “reverse ritual” that would harm her children. Fearing the threat, she complied. He reportedly recorded the call and later used it to blackmail her into coming to Kerala.
There, she claims both Arun and the temple’s chief priest, Unni Damodaran, attempted to sexually assault her in a private room. Ratna returned to Bengaluru and lodged a complaint, submitting call records, screenshots, and audio clips.
Police have arrested Arun while efforts continue to trace Unni Damodaran. Authorities noted some inconsistencies in statements, and an in-depth probe is underway.
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