MANGALURU — A Catholic priest in Mangaluru was arrested on Sunday after allegations of sexual abuse involving several minor boys surfaced at a church in the city. Police identified the accused as Father Cyprian Pinto, who was associated with St Vincent Ferrer Church in Valencia.
Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said Pinto was traced to a relative’s residence. Investigators had been looking for him after a case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was expected to be produced before a magistrate following police procedures.
The complaint describes repeated incidents involving boys who visited the church. One minor alleged that Pinto offered him chocolates before taking him into a room near the church sacristy. The boy accused the priest of sexually abusing him during subsequent visits.
Another allegation concerns August 14, when a minor reportedly went to the church for a discussion related to prayer. According to the complaint, the boy was taken to the receptionist’s room, where Pinto allegedly hugged him tightly and touched him inappropriately.
The allegations came to light after one boy spoke to friends about his experience and learnt that others had faced similar conduct. A senior police officer told The Indian Express that at least five boys were believed to be involved in the case. Police were continuing to collect information. Mysuru-based child-rights organisation Odanadi became involved after parents sought help. Its co-founder, K. V. Stanley, said the organisation contacted Police Commissioner Reddy after families approached it with their concerns.
Stanley also alleged that the matter had reached the Mangaluru diocese in August. An internal inquiry was reportedly conducted, and Pinto was placed on administrative leave. The family of one boy separately alleged that they had been advised to keep the matter confidential.
The diocese’s handling of the complaints has not been independently established. Police have registered the case under Sections 8 and 10 of the POCSO Act and Section 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The identities of the minors have not been disclosed.
