Indian-origin priest accused of sexual assault in Canada; charges remained

A Canadian court has stayed all charges against an Indian-origin priest on the second day of his trial after a nine-year-old girl testified against him in a Winnipeg courtroom, according to CBC News. Arul Savari was accused of sexually abusing the girl in Little Grand Rapids First Nation last year.

Savari, originally from India, had been a priest for six years before his arrest, serving in Little Grand Rapids and nearby Pauingassi First Nation.

The nine-year-old girl testified Tuesday, saying the priest took her to his bedroom, took off his clothes, told her he loved her, touched her legs and stomach and kissed her, according to CBC. The girl also reported that Savari told her not to tell her mother about the incident.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Tom Rees questioned the girl’s story, pointing out inconsistencies and suggesting none of the alleged events actually happened.

The judge intervened and noted that the girl seemed confused by the wording of the questions.

On the second day of his trial, Crown attorney Danielle Simard informed Court of King’s Bench Judge Shawn Greenberg that the prosecution had decided to dismiss the charges after carefully reviewing the evidence following the girl’s testimony.

“As the court knows, the process is very difficult for any witness, but even more so for a child. Prosecutors always go to great lengths to ensure that a witness is properly prepared to testify, and this case is no different. ” Simard explained, CBC News reported.

Simard emphasized the Crown’s legal and ethical responsibility to ensure cases have a reasonable chance of ending in a conviction.

“It is not enough that something probably happened, but rather, ‘Does the evidence reasonably meet the test beyond a reasonable doubt?’” Simard said. “It is consistent with our solemn obligation to deliver justice in a responsible and thoughtful manner that we must stay proceedings on all charges before this honorable court regarding Mr. Arul Savari.”

Savari, who had pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault, sexual interference and forcible confinement, was suspended from his ministerial duties following his arrest in May 2023, CBC News reported.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigation into Savari is ongoing and has identified other possible victims.