Mangaluru priest remanded over alleged sexual abuse of five minors; police probe church’s response

Mangaluru: Fr Cyprian Pinto, the vicar of St Vincent Ferrer Church in Valencia, has been remanded in custody following his arrest over the alleged sexual abuse of minors. Police arrested the priest after a 14-year-old boy filed a complaint stating that he had been repeatedly abused by the vicar since 14 August 2026. The complainant also alleged that Fr Pinto had sexually abused four other children of a similar age.

Citing social activists, The News Minute reported that the matter was first brought to the attention of the Bishop of Mangaluru, Peter Paul Saldanha, on 17 August. The five children and their parents met the Bishop after discussing the allegations with the assistant vicar and parish representatives, in a meeting facilitated by church vice-president Ronald Rodrigues. Reports indicate that the children also handed the Bishop a written account detailing the abuse.

According to the complaint, Fr Pinto took charge as vicar of Valencia Church on 26 May. Although he was initially friendly, he subsequently began abusing the 14-year-old victim, sexually assaulting him on three separate occasions. The boy further stated that he directly witnessed the priest abusing another child.

Following the revelations, an internal investigation was reportedly conducted at the diocesan level. Reports suggest that the children, their parents, and Fr Pinto were interviewed both individually and jointly, with the resulting findings submitted to the Vatican. The diocese subsequently placed Fr Pinto on administrative leave.

Diocesan Public Relations Officer Ronald Castelino stated that as the matter is now before the court and the accused has surrendered, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the allegations. He added that the church expects legal procedures to run their course and justice to be served.

Meanwhile, police are investigating whether the Mangaluru Diocese and the Bishop failed to notify law enforcement in a timely manner despite being aware of the abuse allegations. Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy confirmed that officers will thoroughly investigate whether there were any deliberate attempts to withhold information from authorities or delay reporting the crime. The FIR notes that the formal complaint was ultimately lodged with the police on the Bishop’s instructions.