Kerala: 77-year-old priest held in POCSO case

A 77-year-old priest of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Kerala was held on charges of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.

According to sources, priest Shemuvon Ramban of a church near Muvattupuzha in the rural parts of Kochi was held. He allegedly sexually abused the girl on church premises on April 3. A police case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences was registered against him.

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The church removed him from official responsibilities and also constituted an internal committee to probe into the matter.