A cleric in Karnataka's Chitradurga district has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl under the guise of treating her for demonic possession. The cleric, originally from Uttar Pradesh, was practicing at a local mosque where the girl had been attending Quranic studies for the past three years.
### Incident Details
According to police reports, the cleric visited the girl's house, claiming he could treat her supposed possession by the devil. He manipulated the girl's brother into believing that sexual intercourse was the cure for her condition. Consequently, he incited the brother to sexually assault the girl, filming the heinous act. The cleric subsequently raped the girl himself.
### Duration of Abuse
The abuse reportedly persisted for six to seven months, with the cleric and the brother committing the crimes every week. The horrifying ordeal came to light when the girl was hospitalized due to stomach pain and disclosed the details to her mother.
### Legal Action
Following the girl's revelation, her mother filed a complaint at the women's police station. An FIR was registered against the accused parties.Â
### Arrest and Charges
Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Dharmender Kumar Meena confirmed that both the cleric and the brother had been arrested. They have been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
### Conclusion
This case highlights a grave instance of exploitation and abuse under the guise of religious practice.Â
