Why Did Karnataka Police Arrest a Kerala Priest in a Blackmail and Rape Attempt Case?

Bengaluru, June 16 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police have apprehended a priest from Kerala on allegations of blackmailing a woman and making an attempt to rape her, officials reported on Monday, noting that efforts are underway to locate another priest who is currently evading capture.

The individual taken into custody has been named Arun, who is affiliated with the Peringottukara temple in Kerala. The police are also on the lookout for Unni Damodaran, the head priest of the temple, linked to this case.

According to the police, the victim, whose family faced financial hardships, was encouraged by friends to seek help at the Peringottukara temple. The victim, a Bengaluru resident, was swayed after viewing a video that suggested that a specific worship ritual at the temple could resolve her issues.

Upon visiting the temple to engage in this special worship, the victim met the accused, who earned her trust through their conversations. They conducted inappropriate video calls with her via WhatsApp.

Exploiting her vulnerable circumstances, the accused threatened the victim under the guise of performing black magic and proceeded with the crime. They summoned her to the temple and insisted on her compliance. The victim asserted in her complaint that the accused coerced her into engaging in unnatural sexual acts.

The victim informed the police that she was proficient in Tamil and Kannada. Arun assisted her in communicating with Unni Damodaran, acting as a translator for the Malayalam language. He informed her that the worship would require Rs 24,000 and subsequently acquired her mobile number, frequently contacting her thereafter.

Arun claimed that someone had cast a black magic spell on her family and assured her they could perform a worship to mitigate its effects. He instructed her to adhere to his directions, including a video call where he exposed himself and pressured her to do the same. When she refused, he threatened her children with black magic and compelled her to disrobe and participate in the worship.

He mandated her return to the temple in Kerala for an additional special worship. Fearing his threats regarding her family, she complied and traveled to Kerala. After the worship, both accused forcefully transported her to a secluded area and attempted to coerce her into unnatural sexual acts, claiming it was part of the ritual to finalize the worship, according to police.

Fortunately, the woman managed to escape and, upon her return to Bengaluru, reported the incident at the Bellandur police station. Authorities noted that she is in a state of shock and that the investigation is ongoing.