THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A temple priest has been arrested in Thiruvananthapuram after he allegedly attempted to sexually abuse a minor girl who visited the temple. The arrested has been identified as Sreekumar Namboothiri, priest of a temple at Mudapuram near Chirayinkeezhu. The priest was arrested by a police team headed by Attingal DySP SY Suresh.

The alleged incident occurred on September 8 when the girl visited the temple with her family members. It is learnt that the priest attempted to sexually abuse the girl after inviting her into the storeroom on the pretext of handing over temple offering. However, the girl shouted and was soon rescued by her family. Following this, a complaint was filed by the family at the Chirayinkeezhu police station and the priest was arrested. Police have informed that the accused has been charged under POCSO act and has been remanded to custody.