A Catholic priest in Kerala was arrested on July 7 for allegedly sexually abusing minors at a boy’s home in Ernakulam district, which was run by him. The incident came to light after some of the boys managed to escape and inform their parents.

A Serial Offender

40-year-old Father George, alias Jerry, suspected to be a serial offender, has been molesting the boys since December 2018.

“His phone is full of obnoxious messages, photographs, porn websites,” NDTV quoted a police official as saying. 

Seven of the boys escaped and called their parents, following which the boys and some of their parents filed a complaint at a police station. 

The priest was arrested on July 7 and sent to 14-days police custody. A case has been registered against him including charges under a stringent law against child sex abuse.

“Boys between the age group of 12-16 years have complained that they were sexually abused repeatedly since December 2018 in ghastly ways. He forced his way to even sleep with some of these boys,” a police official said.

All boys belong to poor families. The state Child Welfare Committee intervened and sent them back home with their parents. 

However, around seven other boys continue to live at the home. “The boys who are still staying at the home have said that they have no complaints. Their parents have been informed of all the developments by us. It’s for their parents to decide further,” the police said.

This is the second instance of sexual abuse in the Kerala Catholic community. In April, former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakka was charge-sheeted. He is accused of raping a nun over the course of two years.

This charge sheet is historic as this is the first time in the history of the existence of the Catholic Church in India that a top clergyman is being tried in the court of law over allegations of sexual assault.

The case, which gained national and international importance last year, has a total of 83 witnesses including Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry, Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt of Pala diocese, as many as 25 nuns and 11 priests, among others.

Also Read: Kerala: Chargesheet Filed Against Rape-Accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal; To Go On Court Trial