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- By Parinda News Bureau, March 31, 2006, 13:13 IST
A priest attached to Fatima High School at Saki Naka has been charged with allegedly molesting the mother of a student of the school. Following a complaint lodged with the Powai police, Father Philip Gonasalves of Fatima Convent in Saki Naka has been arrested under section 354 of the IPC.
The complainant may not have revealed all the facts related to the case in the first information report.
The priest will be questioned and more details are expected according to Additional Commissioner of Police (west region) Bipin Bihari.
Dr Abraham Mathai, general secretary of the All India Christian Council ha said that this was a sensitive issue as the case involves a religious leader, the police needs to exercise caution and verify the facts before filling charges.
As per the complaint, Father Philip Gonsalves allegedly molested the lady for eighteen months. It is not known why it took so long for the victim to file the complaint. Apparently she approached the priest after her daughter faced some academic problems in ninth standard. This is when the priest, promising her help, exploited her in return for the favour.
The victim's husband works for the merchant navy and was mostly away from home. This is the reason being cited for the delay in reporting the case. Father Gonsalves had been transfered to Bhopal, after the complaint.
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