The Cathnews
June 20, 2011
http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2011/06/20/pastor-arrested-for-sexually-abusing-minor-girls/
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| Pastor K. Shantharaju with one of the girls from the centre |
A pastor was arrested in Bangalore for sexually exploiting minor girls at a study centre following a complaint by his wife.
Pastor K. Shantharaju of Bethel Church, who fled after his wife Priyalatha registered a complaint against him, was apprehended while he was in transit, the police said.
His wife also accused him of being a paedophile.
Over 25 minor girls, who had been visiting the Bethel Student Centre at Jalahalli as they could not afford the high cost of education, were sexually exploited by the 45-year-old pastor since 2004.
The fear of reprimand by the church forced the girls to keep quiet and suffer the ignominy in silence.
His deeds came to light recently after his wife Priyalatha made the shocking discovery.
"This is a serious case. He has denigrated the noble profession of teaching. Besides, he is a priest. How could he exploit young children? We will take action against him," said R. Ashoka, Karnataka's Home Minister.
Though Priyalatha brought the matter to the notice of the eminent people in the Christian community, no action was taken against her husband.
"I was compelled to approach the police after he threatened me and my daughters with dire consequences if I revealed anything about his misdeeds with the minor girls to anyone," she added.
Three girls have admitted to the police that they were sexually abused by Shantharaju.
"He would spend some time inside with a girl, having instructed the others to stand guard. We knew what transpired inside but were afraid of taking on the pastor," said one of the girls.
Meanwhile, the Church leaders are planning to take action against the priest.
"We will conduct an independent investigation. This incident has seriously dented the community's image," a parish priest said.
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