Indian-origin Sikh priest charged for sexually assaulting girl in Glasgow temple

Glasgow, Jan 18 (ANI): An Indian-origin priest has been charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Glasgow, Scotland.

Surinder Singh had allegedly touched, tried to kiss, and forcefully put food in the girl's mouth at the temple on Saturday, the Glasgow Sheriff Court heard.

According to the BBC, the 52-year-old priest, who is currently living in Scotland on an Indian visa, has denied the charges.

During the hearing, his lawyer, James Mulgrew, told the court that his client was willing to hand over his passport to a local police station provided he was granted bail.

The court, however, refused Mulgrew's request and remanded Singh to custody, as it feared that there was a "substantial risk of him absconding and failing to appear".

"He has now been dismissed following this alleged incident and he has stated to members of the congregation that he intends to leave the country," Prosecutor Clare Arias said.

The priest will appear for trial next month. (ANI)