By Matters India Reporter

Bhopal: A Catholic priest was on July 11 remanded in judicial custody for alleged attempt to sexually assault a minor boy in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Father Leo D’Souza of Jabalpur diocese, principal of a Church run school in tribal district of Dindori, will remain in custody until July 20. He was arrested on July 10 night from Jabalpur following a complaint from the parents of the boy, said Superintendent of Police (SP) Dindori Simala Prasad.

According to the complaint, the accused had taken the eighth grade student to his room and attempted to sexually assault him the previous evening.

The boy informed his parents who in turn lodged a complaint with the Amarpur police station on the next day.

The priest, apparently sensing danger, left to Jabalpur.

According to the police official, the priest was produced before the court which subsequently remanded him in judicial custody.

The priest is booked under the relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO).

The officer refused to divulge further information on the plea that the matter is under investigation and a clear picture will emerge only after a thorough probe.