Molested children who arrived at temple; priest arrested

THENI: Police have arrested a temple priest who molested the children who were playing at the temple premises. The incident took place in Theni, Tamil Nadu. The arrested person has been identified as Thilakar (70). The arrest was made under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act. The incident occurred at the Bhagavathi Amman Temple in Periyakulam, Theni.

Two boys and a girl were playing at the temple premises when Thilakar lured them inside by offering them candies. He then molested the children after giving them candies. Frightened, the girl ran back home and informed her family about the incident. When the girl's family and neighbours arrived at the temple, the priest hid inside, fearing assault. Consequently, the locals informed the police. Following this, the police team from the Vadakarai police station arrived at the spot and took the priest into custody. The accused has been remanded to custody for 15 days. The police have also assured that counselling will be provided to the children.