Ghaziabad: The priest of Modinagar’s Sikri temple was arrested for allegedly molesting a 30-year-old woman and also forced her to strip while performing some tantric rituals on October 28 (Monday), officers said Saturday.

The incident took place around 3:00 p.m. when the woman and her sister-in-law visited the suspect’s house to analyze a horoscope. The suspect identified as Amit Tripathi, a resident of Modinagar, was arrested on Thursday after the woman’s first information report was registered at the Modinagar police station, they added.

In her complaint, the woman stated that the man had sent his sister-in-law to a nearby market to bring some items for the puja. “After that, he molested me repeatedly after he started forcefully performing some tantric rituals. He touched me while I was performing the rituals that I had repeatedly resisted,” she stated.

After her sister-in-law returned, the female victim somehow broke free and revealed things to her family.

“Her family members hit the priest and a video of the incident was also prepared. The suspect priest lodged a complaint with the police. During the investigation, the woman revealed her distress to the police and filed a complaint with the police. Following the investigation, the priest’s denial of molestation was found to be incorrect. The woman’s FIR has been registered and the priest has been arrested under the remand sections,” said Gyan Prakash Rai, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Modinagar circle.

Officers said the priest was deputed as ‘mahant’ (custodian) at the famous temple about three months ago.

Police registered an FIR against the suspect under sections 74 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 76 (assault or use of criminal force against woman with intent to disrobe) on October 31. .