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RCMP investigate child sexual abuse in Little Grand Rapids

RCMP investigate sexual assault on youth, arrest a priest
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Manitoba RCMP announced an investigation into a sexual abuse case. An authority figure has been arrested for sexual assault on a youth in a First Nation community and investigators believe there could be more victims.

Little Grand Rapids RCMP received a report on May 27, that an eight-year-old girl had been at the local Roman Catholic church in Little Grand Rapids when she was inappropriately touched by an adult male.

An investigation determined the child had been at the church alone with the 48-year-old priest from  Winnipeg when he touched her inappropriately and tried to keep her from leaving the building. The child was able to flee to her home.

Arul Savari was arrested and remains in custody. He is charged with Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Sexual Exploitation of a Young Person, Luring a Child, and Forcible Confinement.

Savari has also attended the community of Pauingassi First Nation in his role as priest.

RCMP Superintendent Scott McMurchy, Acting Criminal Operations Officer with Manitoba RCMP made the announcement at RCMP headquarters on May 30.

According to a CBC report, Savari, is originally from India, now living in Winnipeg, and has been in Canada for six years. He served in Little Grand Rapids for the same amount of time, said RCMP Superintendent McMurchy. Savari serves the Catholic Church under the Archbishop of St. Boniface.

Following his arrest, Savari was suspended from all ministerial duties and "forbidden to have anything to do with former parishioners and children," according to a Tuesday press release from the Archdiocese of St. Boniface.  

Since Savari’s arrest, additional youths have been identified as potential victims. The investigation is ongoing and investigators believe there could be more victims. Anyone with information or anyone who is a victim should contact Little Grand Rapids RCMP at 204-397-2249.

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