Priest held for sexual assault on girl in Idukki

IDUKKI: A Jacobite priest was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a 22-yearold girl in Adimali. Fr Reji Palakkadan,55, the vicar of Panikkankudy Jacobite Syrian Church was held based on the complaint filed by the girl’s parents.Police said the priest has been running an ayurveda clinic in Adimali. He allegedly sexually assaulted the girl using the cover of medical treatment on Monday. “The priest has been arrested under Section 354 of IPC (assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty),” said Adimali circle inspector Anil George.“The accused priest was known as a doctor in the area. But he was not a registered a medical practitioner. We will also check his educational qualifications and other details,” said the police officer.