Arul Savari was alone with the girl in church when he allegedly touched her inappropriately, Mounties say

WARNING: This article contains details of allegations of abuse.

CBC News: A Roman Catholic priest on Little Grand Rapids First Nation in Manitoba has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl in the community, RCMP say. Arul Savari is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, sexual exploitation of a young person, luring a child and forcible confinement.

He remains in custody, Supt. Scott McMurchy, acting criminal operations officer, said at a news conference on Tuesday. McMurchy said the girl was alone with the priest and was helping him clean the church when he allegedly touched her inappropriately.

“She said and told our investigators that when she tried to leave, he forced her to remain in the building,” he said. When the girl was able to leave she ran home and told her mom, who reported the incident to police, McMurchy said.

McMurchy said additional youth have been identified as possible victims, and investigators believe there may be more. Savari also provided religious services to Pauingassi First Nation. “We do not wish to traumatize or further traumatize the young victim by sharing her experience in such a public manner,” he said. “However, we believe that other children may have been harmed in a similar way.”

Savari, originally from India, has been in Canada for six years. He serves the Catholic Church under the Archbishop of St. Boniface, McMurchy said.

McMurchy said as far as RCMP are aware, Savari only served on those two First Nations while in Canada.

Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services through this Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. ​​If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.