Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga (SP)

Shivamogga, Oct 8: A priest who had raped a minor girl after inviting her to the temple in the guise of performing puja has been ordered to undergo 14 years jail term by the first district and sessions court here. He also has been fined Rs 25,000.

The person who was found guilty of the act and jailed happens to be Shivakumar alias Kumar, priest of Goddess Durgaparameshwari temple at Jail Road, second cross in the city.

The victim used to visit the temple often. It is said that the priest had lured the girl by offering to ensure that she got more marks in the examination and then raped her. On the basis of a complaint filed by the girl, a case under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act had been registered in the women's police station here. The police who arrested Shivakumar, had undertaken investigation and filed charge sheet in the court.

Judge of the court, K B Shivarasad, who conducted the hearing, delivered a verdict handing a jail term of 14 years apart from fine to the guilty. Public prosecutor, K S Sathish, had presented arguments on behalf of the prosecution.