In a shocking incident, a 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a church pastor in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.
The incident came to light on Monday morning.
According to Renigunta rural police, Pastor Panneer Selvam, 54, staying adjacent to a local church, took the minor to an open area near his house and allegedly forced himself on her on Sunday night.
The villagers of the area kept the accused under watch and informed the police.
Based on a complaint from the villagers and parents of the victim, Gujulamandyam police on Monday, filed a case against Panneer Selvam.
Speaking to TNM, Renigunta rural CI Sadiq Ali, said, "The accused tried to take advantage of the child’s innocence and exploited her.”
The girl informed the police that the pastor had been sexually harassing her for the last three months.
Following police investigation, the accused has reportedly admitted to the crime.
Renigunta Dy SP Nanjudappa, who is the investigating officer in the case, arrested the accused on Wednesday and remanded him in judicial custody.
A case has been filed under IPC section 354, POCSO and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.