Mangalore Priest Remanded to Custody in POCSO Case
Father Siprian Pinto of St. Vincent Ferrer Church is in judicial custody following allegations of sexual harassment of minors in Mangaluru.
In a shocking development in Karnataka, Father Siprian Pinto, the Parish Priest of St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Valencia, has been remanded to judicial custody. The priest was arrested by the Mangaluru South Police following grave allegations of sexual harassment involving minors, sparking concern across the community.
The Allegations and Arrest
The legal proceedings began on October 16, when a 14-year-old boy filed a formal complaint. The victim alleged that he was repeatedly subjected to sexual harassment by Father Siprian Pinto within the church premises, with the abuse reportedly starting on August 14, 2026.
The horror of the situation deepened as the victim informed the police that he was not the only target. He claimed that at least four other boys of a similar age had been subjected to comparable abuse by the priest.
Following a preliminary investigation into these claims, law enforcement agencies took action and took Fr. Siprian Pinto into custody on October 18, 2026. After the completion of initial interrogations and necessary procedural formalities, he was produced before a designated court. The magistrate subsequently ordered his remand in judicial custody as the legal process moves forward.
"The accused was produced before the designated court, where the magistrate ordered his remand in judicial custody," stated Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy.
Legal Charges
The Mangaluru South Police have registered the case under Sections 8 and 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which deal with severe offenses against minors.
Another Disturbing Case in August
This incident follows another distressing report from August, where the POCSO Act was invoked against a father and a relative for the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl. That case came to light during a counseling session where the girl revealed a history of abuse.
The victim alleged that her father had subjected her to inappropriate behavior and sexual abuse during her younger years. According to the police, once the mother became aware of the situation, the girl and her elder sister were moved to a relative's house for safety.
However, the nightmare continued, as the girl further alleged that a priest at the relative's house also sexually assaulted her. Consequently, police registered a case under Sections 75(2) and 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Sections 4, 8, and 10 of the POCSO Act. Investigations into that matter are still ongoing.