Invoking supernatural evil to explain or excuse human wrongdoing is a well-documented pattern in criminology and the psychology of religion. Scholars describe it as externalization of blame and as a technique of neutralization in which offenders deny responsibility or appeal to higher forces to rationalize harm. This phenomenon has surfaced across cultures and faith traditions; it is neither unique to any community nor endemic to any belief system.

Recent reports from Andhra Pradesh describe a disturbing case in which a pastor allegedly assaulted a 14-year-old girl from a family that had been attending his prayer meetings. According to local media accounts and statements attributed to the family, the accused reportedly coerced the child, the child became pregnant, and she was then made to ingest abortion pills, causing pain and bleeding. It is further alleged that the accused warned the child against disclosing the harm and attempted to attribute responsibility to satanic influence. Police subsequently arrested the pastor under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), and the case is now proceeding through the criminal justice process. All allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination, and the identity of the child must be protected under law.

A video clip circulating online purports to document aspects of the complaint and the arrest. As with all viral content that involves a minor, viewers are urged to exercise restraint and to prioritise the dignity and privacy of the survivor. The link shared by multiple users is reproduced here for completeness: http://www.hinduhumanrights.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ssstwitter.com_1778672024948.mp4

POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012) is the central legal framework for child sexual abuse cases in India. The statute defines a wide spectrum of offences against persons under 18 years of age, including penetrative sexual assault (Section 3), aggravated forms involving abuse of trust or authority (Section 5), and sexual harassment (Section 11). The Act mandates child-friendly procedures, such as recording statements at the child’s residence or another comfortable place (Section 24) and medical examination without undue delay (Section 27). Mandatory reporting is required under Section 19, with penalties for failure to report under Section 21. Importantly, Section 29 creates a rebuttable presumption against the accused once foundational facts are established, thereby reinforcing the child’s protection while preserving due process through adversarial testing in Special Courts.

When pregnancy arises from an alleged sexual offence against a minor, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, as amended in 2021, permits termination within specified gestational limits, following the opinion of registered medical practitioners and with the consent of a lawful guardian in the case of a minor. Any forced administration of abortion medication is illegal and may constitute offences under the Indian Penal Code, including causing miscarriage without consent (Section 313). Healthcare providers must also ensure chain-of-custody for medical evidence (CrPC Section 164A) and maintain confidentiality consistent with POCSO and professional ethics.

Attributing sexual violence to demonic or supernatural temptation fits a known rationalisation pattern: denial of responsibility, denial of injury, and appeal to metaphysical authority. Such rhetoric can retraumatise survivors and impede justice by shifting attention away from agency, consent, and evidence. Communities should be alert to this language regardless of which faith setting it appears in, and respond with a clear insistence on personal accountability under secular law.

Faith-based organisations, including churches, temples, gurdwaras, and monasteries, can reduce risk through a formal child safeguarding framework. Core elements include written codes of conduct, background screening where lawfully available, structured supervision and the two-adult policy, transparent scheduling and record-keeping, designated child protection officers, and routine refresher training on POCSO and mandatory reporting. Physical safeguards such as open-door counselling, visibility in common areas, and clear signage for helplines complement behavioural protocols. These measures are consistent with the dharmic emphasis on ahimsa, daya, and lokasangraha, and they strengthen public trust in religious institutions.

When abuse is suspected or disclosed, a survivor-centred, trauma-informed response is essential. Immediate priorities are safety, medical care, and timely reporting to the police or the Special Juvenile Police Unit under Section 19 of POCSO. A statement before a magistrate under CrPC Section 164, supported by a trusted guardian or support person, helps minimise repeated interviews. Coordination with the Child Welfare Committee ensures access to counselling, shelter where necessary, and compensation schemes available under state victim assistance programmes.

Responsible communication is critical. Naming or revealing identifying details of a child survivor is prohibited. Circulating unverified claims, sensationalising religious identity, or generalising from a single case to an entire community undermines justice and social cohesion. India’s constitutional guarantees of equality before law and freedom of religion require that crimes be investigated and adjudicated on evidence, while communities collaborate across traditions to protect children.

Dharmic traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism converge on the ethical imperatives of non-violence, compassion, and duty of care. These values align with the universal child rights framework and can guide interfaith solidarity in preventing abuse. Constructive engagement with Christian and Muslim institutions on shared safeguarding standards enhances societal resilience and counters attempts to polarise the public or communalise criminal acts.

Families and congregations benefit from knowing practical signposts. Childline 1098 provides 24×7 assistance; 112 connects to emergency response; 181 is the women’s helpline in many states; the NCPCR POCSO e-Box enables online complaints of child sexual abuse. Documenting timelines, preserving digital or physical evidence without sharing it publicly, and seeking accredited counselling services improve both survivor wellbeing and prosecutorial outcomes.

The Andhra Pradesh case is a sobering reminder that child safeguarding is a non-negotiable duty in every setting. Legal tools such as POCSO and the MTP framework are robust, but their power depends on vigilant communities, trained institutions, and survivor-centred practice. Rejecting supernatural scapegoating and insisting on evidence, accountability, and compassion serves both justice and the shared ethical core that binds India’s diverse faith communities.

Inspired by this post on Hindu Human Rights Blog.