Spurned temple priest threatens woman with acid attack

Police on Wednesday arrested a 28-year-old priest for propositioning a woman, and threatening to throw acid on her face when she did not agree.



The suspect, who works for a temple in the Peth area, was arrested under IPC sections 354 (A) and (D) (sexual harassment and stalking), 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace). He was produced before the court on Thursday, and was sent to the Yerawada jail after he failed to complete the provisions for bail.

According to an officer from the Samarth police station , the suspect and the 25-year-old complainant had been acquainted with each other since February this year
, and live in the same neighbourhood.
"He tried to get close to the woman under the pretext of carrying her mother's bags back from the market," the officer said.
Gradually, the officer said, the suspect made his intentions clear, and started demanding sexual favours from the woman following which she avoided him. "He would enter her house by force, and harass her" the officer said.

When the complainant continued to resist his overtures, he turned aggressive and threatened violence.

"On Wednesday, when the suspect threatened to throw acid on her face, she got frightened and lodged a complaint," the officer said, adding, "We are looking into whether he had harassed any other woman in the area," the officer said.