Temple Priest Sentenced for Heinous Crime Against Minor

A special court has delivered a stern verdict against a temple priest, convicting him of committing a heinous crime against a minor. The accused, Maharaj Lokesh Nath Kashyap, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sodomizing a 14-year-old boy, as pronounced by Special Judge Alka Bharti.

Government advocate Vikrant Rathi recounted the events, stating that the incident transpired on July 12, 2023, in Sarnawli village, Phugana. The priest enticed the young boy under false pretenses, promising a visit to Haridwar but instead leading him to a secluded jungle where the crime unfolded.

Post assault, the victim was bound at a Shiva temple to suppress any disclosure. The priest released the boy the next day, allowing him to return to his family and report the incident, culminating in a complaint being filed and justice being sought.

(With inputs from agencies.)