Oachira religious school in Keralam’s Kollam sealed after arrest in minor abuse case

Authorities have temporarily closed and sealed a religious school in Oachira after its principal was arrested for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl under the guise of an exorcism. The enforcement action was taken jointly by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supervisor, the ward-level vigilance committee and the local police. Around 40 students currently live in the residential institute.

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

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the suspect’s extensive financial transactions linked to the institution, earnings from his YouTube channels and recent property acquisitions, including a large house currently under construction. Investigators are conducting a forensic examination of his mobile phones and financial records to see if more young girls were victims of similar exploitation.

Published – 03 Nov 2026 21:08 IST