Bengal priest, 68, arrested for rape and murder of minor girl, 12, during Kali Puja

A minor girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Falakata during the Kali Puja celebrations, a shocking incident that sent ripples of fear throughout the community. Following the crime, the accused perpetrator was killed by a mob. In a separate incident, a 68-year-old priest in Guskara, East Burdwan, has been accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl.

The priest, who had a longstanding relationship with the family and was performing puja at their home, allegedly entered the house on Friday morning under the pretext of changing his clothes after conducting rituals. Witnesses claim he approached the girl with money and cake, allegedly making her sit on his lap before molesting her. The incident was brought to light when the girl disclosed what happened to her mother, who then alerted neighbors. The community quickly mobilized, apprehending the priest and notifying the police, who arrested him shortly after.

The girl’s mother stated that the priest had arrived earlier than expected, which allowed him to exploit the situation when the family was otherwise engaged with religious activities. The family formally filed a complaint with the police on Friday afternoon, leading to the priest's arrest. Authorities confirmed that the priest will be presented before a Burdwan court. This incident adds to the ongoing discussions about child safety in the region, especially during significant cultural events, as residents demand more effective measures to protect minors from such heinous acts.