Bangalore: Pastor arrested for abusing minor girls

In a shocking and shameful incident, police on Saturday arrested a pastor in Jalahalli, Bangalore for sexually harassing minor girls and misusing church funds.

Pastor Shantaraju of Bethel Church was arrested after his wife Priyalatha complained to the police that he had misbehaved with minor girls who visited the Bethel Student Centre for tuitions organised for poor children.

Priyalatha said she approached the police after she and her daughter were threatened with dire consequences if revealed anything about his misdeeds.

The 45-year-old pastor has however denied the allegations despite the wife claiming that she had photographs to prove the charges against her husband.

Shantaraju told media that he had separated from his wife for 11 years and is fighting a divorce case. The couple have two daughters.

According to HS Revanna, DCP (North), a complaint was received against the pastor as well as eight others. Police are now investigating the case.

In the complaint, Priyalatha alleges that the children who were brought to the centre for the purpose of education were being used for illegal activities. "Minor children are being used for sexual activities in the centre," she was quoted by Bangalore Mirror.

Karnataka Home Minister R Ashoka told media that his government has taken the matter seriously and that he had directed the DCP to take necessary action.

Pastor Shantaraju has been booked under various Indian Penal Code sections, including for criminal intimidation.

The church was established 20 years ago by Shantaraju's father. The Christian community meanwhile said it will conduct an independent investigation to ascertain the truth.