At a time when sexual abuse at religious places is in the news across the world (especially in the West), a Buddhist monk who has been leading a meditation centre at Gaya district in Bihar has been arrested on the charges of sexually abusing 15 vulnerable monks, all of whom apparently are from Assam. They joined the centre to pursue both mainstream and spiritual education.

The name of the accused is Bhante Shanghpriya Sujoy and he too is reportedly from Assam.  Keeping in view the facts of the case, the police have slapped cases against the monk as per different sections of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offence) Act and CrPC as well.

As per the accounts of the children, they were subjected to thrashing and abuse repeatedly.  They are in the age group of 6-12 years.  Medical tests are in progress.  The centre is funded by a Trust, whose funding and activities have also come under close scrutiny.