A Catholic priest-cum-correspondent of a Government-aided school in Coimbatore, was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly made a few girl students open sexually explicit content on his mobile phone.
As per preliminary investigation by the All Woman Police Station, Coimbatore Central, the priest had allegedly forced at least five girls of the school to open sexually explicit content on his mobile phone on multiple occasions.
Maria Antony Raj (65), attached to the diocese of Coimbatore (Latin rite) and the correspondent of St. Mary's High School on fifth extension, Gandhipuram, was held for offences under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, said the police. He has been serving as the correspondent of the school for over a year.
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After being informed by t
On Thursday, the police examined the accused, affected students and their parents at the school. Later, he was taken to the police station and arrested.
P. Ayyanan, Coimbatore Chief Education Officer (CEO), told
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Though The Hindu contacted the Coimbatore diocese, which runs the school, it did not comment on the priest's arrest. Despite multiple attempts, the school authorities too refused to comment on the case.