Anugola: In a remarkable judgment, a fast track court in Anugola district today sentenced a temple priest to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a minor girl inside a temple premises.

The convict, identified as 24-year-old Dukhunashan Bishi, also known as Ghasi Bishi, is a resident of Kelgaon village in Sonepur district. He had been residing at Tileswar under Thakurgarh police station in Anugola district.

According to the case details, the accused sexually assaulted a minor girl on August 26, 2024, on the pretext of performing a puja (ritual) inside the temple.

Delivering the verdict, the court strongly condemned the act, stating committing such a heinous crime within a temple under the guise of religious rituals is highly objectionable and immoral. The court observed the accused, posing as a priest, acted like a “predator” and targeted a helpless minor, making him undeserving of any leniency.

Considering the gravity of the offence, the court awarded him life imprisonment with rigorous punishment.

In addition, the court directed the survivor be provided compensation of ₹5 lakh at the earliest.