A protest erupted in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district as a large number of villagers gathered outside a temple after a girl accused the priest of sexually assaulting her.

The 70-year-old priest, Thilagar, has been arrested and a case has been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

According to the allegations, some children were playing outside the temple when the priest allegedly lured them inside the temple premises by offering sweets. He then allegedly sexually assaulted a girl.

After the girl reported the incident, her parents, relatives, and other villagers gathered outside the temple. Fearing an attack, the accused locked the grill door and remained inside.

As the situation grew tense, the police arrived at the scene and took Thilagar into custody.

Based on the complaint filed by the child’s parents, a case has been registered against the priest under the Pocso Act.

Source: India Today