Ajmer: Priest allegedly raped seven-year-old girl inside temple, arrested
In yet another incident of sexual atrocities against children, a seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a temple priest in Ajmer on Wednesday. The little girl had gone to the Kalichat Hanuman Temple to collect the family's livestock when the priest tricked her into the shrine and raped her. The 48-year-old accused has been arrested and booked under the POCSO Act.
Victim's father found her in unconscious state
The temple is located on the Kalyanipura Hills on the outskirts of Ajmer. After raping her, the accused Swami Shivanand alias Balwant left her in the unconscious state. When the girl did not return home, her father went looking for her. He found her in the temple. On gaining consciousness, the girl narrated the ordeal after which a police case was registered.
Accused a controversial figure, say locals
According to a TOI report, the priest, who belonged to Madhya Pradesh and had been taking care of the temple for 10 years, was a controversial figure. People avoided going to the temple because of the secluded area where it was located. The police said the minor has been sent for medical examination and treatment.