Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 16: A serious allegation of continuous sexual harassment of a minor boy has surfaced against a church priest under the Mangaluru South police station limits. The police have registered an FIR under the POCSO Act and initiated an investigation.

The accused priest has been identified as Fr Cyprian Pinto. According to the FIR details, the priest lured the minor boy, who regularly visited the church for prayers. He allegedly called the boy privately to the prayer room and his personal quarters, subjecting him to continuous sexual harassment.

On the evening of August 14, 2026, during prayers, the priest allegedly harassed the boy again. The terrified minor shared the ordeal with his friends, which brought to light that a few other boys had also been subjected to similar abuse.

The frightened victim eventually informed his family members about the harassment. The parents immediately brought the matter to the attention of the bishop. Acting on the bishop's advice, the parents approached the police and filed a formal complaint. The FIR notes that this consultation process led to a delay in lodging the complaint.

In compliance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act guidelines, the identities of the victim and the complainant have been kept confidential. The Mangaluru South police are carrying out further investigations.