Church priest booked for caning kid

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 22, 2016: As per reports,  Vittal Police booked a priest of a church for beating up a 12-year-old boy after the former reportedly failed to answer questions related to the Bible.

Cases under Section 323 of the Indian Penal Code (voluntarily causing hurt) and Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act have been registered against parish priest Rev. Andrew D’Costa of Out Lady of Fatima Church, Peruvai. The priest is said to be absconding after the case was registered.

According to the complaint registered with the police, Alban Menezes, President of United Christian Association, Vittal, said the priest had beaten up the boy with a stick.

The boy was preparing for the first communion catechism being conducted at the church and had failed to answer  questions related to the Bible and recite prayers.

Responding to the incident, Diocese of Mangalore said that the priest had told them that he had reprimanded the boy; but did not beat him up. Public Relations Officer Rev. William Menezes told media  that the Bishop has asked the priest to cooperate with the police since an FIR has been registered. Meanwhile, the priest reportedly met the parents of the boy it is said.