Mangaluru: POCSO case registered against church priest over alleged sexual abuse of minor

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 16, 2026: A serious allegation of prolonged sexual abuse of a minor boy has been levelled against a church priest within the Mangaluru South Police Station limits. Police have registered an FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and initiated an investigation.

The accused has been identified as Father Cyprian Pinto. According to the FIR, the priest allegedly lured the minor boy, who regularly visited the church for prayers, and repeatedly subjected him to sexual abuse after calling him into a private prayer room and his residential quarters.

The latest alleged incident occurred on the evening of August 14, 2026, during prayer time. Frightened by the incident, the boy confided in his friends, following which it reportedly came to light that other boys had also allegedly faced similar abuse.

The victim eventually informed his family members, who brought the matter to the attention of the bishop. Acting on the bishop’s advice, the parents approached the police and filed a formal complaint.

The FIR reportedly states that the complaint was delayed due to the consultation process.

In accordance with POCSO guidelines, the identities of the victim and the complainant have been kept confidential. Mangaluru South Police are conducting further investigations into the case.