A Christian pastor from Kerala who sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl has received a life sentence and a fine of Rs. 2,50,000. The Manjeri fast-track POCSO court convicted Jose Prakash (51), a Pentecostal cult priest from Balaramapuram near Thiruvananthapuram. The victim suffered multiple instances of sexual assault.
The original incident occurred in 2016 when the pedophile pastor traveled to Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, to attend a Christian convention. During the convention, the pastor convinced the parents that their children were possessed by demonic spirits, which could be exorcised by ‘special prayers.’ The victim has a brother who is one year older than her.
After hearing this, the terrified parents invited the pastor to their home for prayers. On February 16, 2016, Jose reached their house in Pullur and fondled the minor girl’s private parts. Prayers resumed at 9 am the next day. The parents were made to believe that the girl needed special prayers. Jose took the minor girl into a bedroom and raped her.
The perverted priest then convinced the family that the prayers should continue. After three weeks, Jose invited them to the house of Babu, a family friend in Anamangad. Late into the night, the mother woke up and found that the girl was missing. She searched and noticed the girl leaving the accused’s room. Meanwhile, Jose threatened the girl with ‘God’s Wrath’ if she revealed the abuse and silenced her.
In her hurry, the girl wore her dress inside out, and the mother grew suspicious. She questioned her, and the minor revealed the truth that Jose had raped her on several occasions. The next day, they approached Malappuram childline officials.
Based on the mother’s and the victim’s statements, the Malappuram Women’s Police Station filed a case against the convicted priest. Police detained him on March 22, 2016. Judge PT Prakash noted in his verdict that a spiritual guide must also be a faithful caretaker. Jose has to pay compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the girl and Rs 50,000 to the boy.
