A 38-year-old Christian priest has been arrested on charges of sexually harassing an inmate of a children's home at Valayanchirangara near Perumbavoor.

According to The New Indian Express, the priest has been identified as John Philipose, a native of Naranganam in Pathanamthitta. The priest was the manager of the children's home that was being run by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church at Valayanchirangara.

The daily quotes Perumbavoor sub-inspector Honey K Das as stating that the priest was arrested after a statement was given by one of the victims to Childline officials. The victim had reportedly also narrated the incident to the headmaster of the school where he was studying. Childline officials were then informed by the school authorities.

The police have registered a case under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The accused was produced before the court and remanded to custody, adds the daily.