Coimbatore POCSO Case: Second Arrest in Pastor John Jebaraj’s Minor Abuse Scandal

Coimbatore police have taken into custody Bennett Harris (32), a cousin of Christian pastor John Jebaraj, in relation to a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case regarding the suspected sexual abuse of minors. This is the second arrest in the high-profile case.

Case Background

The Gandhi Puram All-Women Police Station lodged the case after a minor girl accused Jebaraj of sexually assaulting her and others at an event in Coimbatore last year. Jebaraj, who went on the run after the FIR was lodged, was subsequently arrested in Munnar, Kerala, after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a court.

Legal Proceedings & Allegations

Jebaraj dismissed the allegations in his bail plea, alleging his estranged wife and relatives had hatched a conspiracy to falsely implicate him. In spite of his assurance to abide by the court conditions, police picked him up through three special squads and a lookout notice to preclude his fleeing the country.

Bennett Harris's Arrest

Harris, who is a native of Thudiyalur and a wanted accomplice, was taken into custody and remanded to Coimbatore Central Jail after being produced in court. He is being investigated for his reported involvement in supporting Jebaraj's operations.