Cleric held for sexual assault on boy

Ludhiana: A 28‑year‑old cleric was arrested from a religious place in Ludhiana after being accused of sexually assaulting a 16‑year‑old boy.Police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and produced the accused in court, where he was remanded for questioning.Investigating officer Satnam Singh said the survivor hails from another state, and was visiting his elder brother who works in Ludhiana. On Tuesday, the boy complained of body ache and his brother took him to the cleric for help. The cleric allegedly asked the elder brother to leave and took the boy into a room where he sexually assaulted him.The teenager confided in his brother and told him that the cleric beat him brutally when he resisted. The brothers went to police after which an FIR was registered. Investigating officer Satnam Singh said police went to the religious place and arrested the cleric.