Manitoba Crown pursues sexual assault charges against priest

WINNIPEG-

The Crown dropped sexual charges against a Roman Catholic priest in Manitoba on the second day of his trial.

Arul Savari was accused of sexual assault, sexual abuse and forcible confinement last year.

The charges stemmed from an alleged attack that occurred on a remote First Nation where he worked.

At the time, RCMP said they received reports that Savari had sexually assaulted an eight-year-old girl.

The girl told police she was asked to help clean the church and was left alone with the priest when he was touched inappropriately and prevented from leaving the church.

Police said Savari had been in Canada for six years, worked in another remote First Nation and was a resident of Winnipeg.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.