Mangaluru : The Bajpe police have arrested Harishchandra Rao (56), assistant priest of Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, on the charge of raping a 19-year-old girl.

According to the police, the victim worked in Rao’s house for the last few years. Soon after the death of his wife in September 2015, Rao, who stayed alone, allegedly raped her.

He allegedly threatened her not to reveal about the incident. The police added that she did not file any complaint against Rao when she was admitted to Lady Goschen Hospital two months ago for the baby’s abortion.

She filed a complaint on Saturday narrating the sexual assault and threats that she allegedly received from Rao.

The police arrested Rao on Saturday night and a local magistrate remanded him to judicial custody.