MANGALURU: Father Cyprian Pinto, a church priest accused of sexually abusing minor boys, has been arrested by Pandeshwar police in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The priest was reportedly arrested from a relative’s residence in Sakleshpur after going missing following the registration of the case. Police brought him into custody for further questioning and said he would be produced before a magistrate after the necessary legal procedures.
The arrest follows complaints alleging sexual abuse of minors who regularly visited a church in Valencia, Mangaluru. The allegations are under investigation, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
POCSO case registered at Pandeshwar police station
A case was registered against Fr Cyprian Pinto at Pandeshwar police station on October 15, following allegations of sexual harassment involving minor boys.
According to reports, the complaint alleged that the priest had repeatedly subjected a minor boy to inappropriate physical contact on the church premises. The case was registered under Sections 8 and 10 of the POCSO Act and Section 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The complaint reportedly stated that the boy regularly visited the church for prayers. The allegations also referred to an incident on August 14, 2026.
Complaints reportedly involved other boys
The case came to light after the alleged victim shared his experience with friends. According to reports, the disclosure led to claims that other boys may also have faced similar treatment.
The child’s family was subsequently informed, and the matter was brought to the attention of church authorities. A Mysuru-based child rights organisation, Odanadi, also reportedly approached the police seeking action.
Following the complaints, police registered the case and began investigating the allegations. The identities of the minors have not been disclosed in accordance with legal safeguards protecting children involved in sexual offence cases.
Priest traced to Sakleshpur
After the case was registered, Fr Pinto reportedly went missing, prompting police to search for him. Investigators eventually traced him to a relative’s residence in Sakleshpur and arrested him.
Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy confirmed the arrest, according to reports. The accused was taken into custody for questioning, with further legal procedures to follow.
The investigation is expected to examine the complaints and other relevant evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents.
Investigation continues
The arrest marks a further development in the case, which has drawn attention in Mangaluru because of the serious allegations involving minors.
Police are continuing their investigation into the complaints. Any further action will depend on the evidence gathered and the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The allegations have not been established in court, and the accused remains entitled to due process under the law.