Mangaluru: The Karnataka Directorate of Child Protection has directed the Dakshina Kannada District Child Protection Unit to investigate allegations that a priest attached to a church in Mangaluru sexually abused several boys on multiple occasions.
The directive was issued through a letter dated August 31, following complaints reportedly submitted by the alleged victims and their parents.
Sources in the District Child Protection Unit said they had received instructions to investigate the allegations. However, they said a comprehensive inquiry had been difficult because the identities of the alleged victims and the name of the church had not been disclosed.
The matter has also been brought to the attention of the police, according to the sources.
Complaints reportedly submitted to Mangalore Bishop
According to reports, the alleged victims and their parents had earlier approached the Bishop of the Mangalore Diocese with complaints of sexual abuse.
Sources in the Bishop’s office said they were not fully aware of the details of the allegations and that an inquiry was under way. They said the facts would emerge as the investigation progressed.
The allegations have prompted calls for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances of the reported abuse and determine whether any criminal offences were committed.
NGO alleges more than 50 boys were abused
Stanley of Odanadi, a Mysuru-based non-governmental organisation, alleged that a priest belonging to the Mangalore Diocese had sexually abused more than 50 boys.
He claimed that the alleged victims had initially approached the Bishop with a complaint but later contacted the Directorate of Child Protection after reportedly failing to receive a satisfactory response.
Stanley called for a comprehensive investigation and said the allegations should be examined under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He also demanded the arrest of those found responsible.
The allegation involving more than 50 boys has not been independently established, and the number of alleged victims remains subject to verification through the investigation.
Investigation awaited
The District Child Protection Unit is expected to examine the available information and establish the identities of the alleged victims, the location where the alleged offences took place and the circumstances surrounding the complaints.
The police have also been informed about the matter, according to the sources. Further details about any formal police case or specific investigative action were not available in the information provided.
The allegations remain unproven. The investigation will be crucial in establishing the facts and determining whether action is warranted under the POCSO Act and other applicable laws.