National

His Holiness Swami Pushkarananda of Toronto arrested for sexual assault of a young girl in the 90s.

Darpan News Desk Toronto Police, 22 Oct, 2020 12:03 AM

The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to an ongoing sexual assault investigation. It is alleged that: - a girl attended the Bharat Sevashram Sangha Canada Temple, located at 2107 Codlin Crescent, with her family - between June 1, 1994 and December 31, 1997, she was sexually assaulted several times by the Swami at the Temple - at that time, she was between 8 and 11 years old - the Swami, at that time, was between 42 and 47 years old.

On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, His Holiness Swami Pushkarananda, 68, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with: 1. Sexual Exploitation of a Young Person 2. Sexual Assault.

He appeared in court at 2201 Finch Avenue West on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. Investigators believe there may be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Education crucial in combating racism: Ambrose

Ambrose, the author of a new book celebrating the International Day of the Girl, says teaching kids early about equality equips them to speak up when they witness or experience discrimination later in life.

Education crucial in combating racism: Ambrose

Vancouver mayor seeks $30 million for homeless

Stewart has released a recommendation to council seeking as much as $30 million to buy or lease land in the city and pay for other services to provide emergency relief for people without homes.

Vancouver mayor seeks $30 million for homeless

Risk in unsealing files: Sherman estate trustees

A lawyer for a Toronto Star newspaper reporter seeking access to the files told a seven-judge panel the attempt to keep the material under wraps runs contrary to the principle of open court proceedings.

Risk in unsealing files: Sherman estate trustees

Canadians split over pandemic holiday plans: Poll

Respondents with children who went door to door for Halloween last year were closely divided on whether to let them go trick-or-treating again this year, with 52 per cent saying they won't and 48 per cent saying they will.

Canadians split over pandemic holiday plans: Poll

B.C. Liberals promise to end ICBC monopoly

Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson said the party would open the vehicle insurance market to competition if it wins the Oct. 24 provincial election, resulting in cheaper rates, especially for young drivers.

B.C. Liberals promise to end ICBC monopoly

B.C. mayors seek meeting with provincial leaders

The BC Urban Mayors' Caucus has sent letters to NDP Leader John Horgan, B.C. Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson, the Green party's Sonia Furstenau and Conservative Leader Trevor Bolin.