Indian-origin priest arrested in Canada for sexual assault

A 69-year-old priest identified as Ashok Kumar was arrested on Friday, March 7, in Canada’s Brampton city for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at her home during a religious ceremony.

The Peel Regional Police arrested Kumar following a police complaint filed by the victim on Monday, March 3, 2025, alleging that she was sexually assaulted during a religious



ceremony at her home where Kumar was invited to perform the rites.

In a press release, the police stated that Kumar had been charged with one count of sexual assault and that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. The accused is originally from India, however, he has been a prominent religious leader in the Brampton community for several years.