Buddhist monk sodomises boys under his care, arrested

A Buddhist monk was arrested late Wednesday evening following complaints of physical abuse, including

sodomy, of boys living under his patronage in the building of Prajna Social Welfare Trust, an NGO.


The 49-year-old monk, Bhante Sangh-Priya, was arrested on Wednesday in Bihar state’s Bodh Gaya region, which is regarded as one of Buddhism’s holiest sites.

The alleged crimes came to light after the boys, who were brought to the centre from eastern India to be trained as monks, complained to their parents, Area Police Chief, Shiv Mahato, said.

“The boys are between ages of 6 to 12 years. At least 15 of them have lodged complaints, there might be more.
“We are investigating the matter and are questioning more child monks,” Mahato said.

The police have registered a case against the monk under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences and Juvenile Justice Act.

He was sent to jail pending the investigations.