Mangaluru: Child Protection Unit to probe sexual abuse allegations against church priest

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 13, 2026: The Karnataka Directorate of Child Protection has directed the Dakshina Kannada District Child Protection Unit to investigate allegations that a priest attached to a church in Mangaluru sexually abused several boys on multiple occasions.

The directive was issued through a letter dated August 31, following complaints reportedly submitted by the alleged victims and their parents.

Sources in the District Child Protection Unit said they had received instructions to investigate the allegations but were unable to conduct a comprehensive inquiry as the identities of the alleged victims and the name of the church had not been disclosed. The matter has also been brought to the attention of the police, the sources said.

According to reports, the victims and their parents had earlier approached the Bishop of the Mangalore Diocese with complaints of sexual abuse. Sources in the Bishop’s office said they were not fully aware of the details of the allegations and that an inquiry was underway. The facts would emerge as the investigation progressed, they said.

Stanley of Odanadi, a Mysuru-based non-governmental organisation, alleged that a priest belonging to the Mangalore Diocese had sexually abused more than 50 boys. He claimed that the victims had initially approached the Bishop with a complaint but later contacted the Directorate of Child Protection after allegedly failing to receive a satisfactory response.

Calling for a thorough investigation, Stanley said the allegations should be investigated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and demanded the arrest of those found responsible.

The allegations are yet to be established through an investigation.