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Published - November 03, 2026 09:08 pm IST - KOLLAM

Authorities have temporarily shut down and sealed a religious school in Oachira after its director was arrested for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl under the pretext of exorcism. The enforcement action was carried out jointly by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supervisor, ward-level vigilance committee, and the local police. The residential institution currently houses around 40 students.

The accused, a 34-year-old vlogger and self-proclaimed religious scholar, was taken into custody following a complaint filed by the survivor. According to reports, the 16-year-old girl had visited the institution alongside her grandmother. The accused allegedly lured the girl and committed the assault by promising to cleanse her grandmother of evil spirits. He remains in judicial custody following his arrest by the Oachira police.

The police have launched a detailed probe into the suspect's extensive financial transactions associated with the institution, earnings from his YouTube channels, and recent real estate acquisitions, including a massive house currently under construction. Investigators are conducting scientific examinations of his mobile phones and financial records to ascertain whether more young girls have fallen victim to similar exploitation.

Published - November 03, 2026 09:08 pm IST

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