Kochi: A 70-year-old Catholic priest allegedly molested three minor girls when they visisted him to seek blessings at his church office in Chendamangalam in Ernakulam district last month, the police said on Friday.

The priest, George Padyatty, vicar of a Syrian Catholic Church in Chendamangalam, has been absconding after a case was registered against him in connection with the incident.

According to the police, the incident occurred a month ago when the nine-year-old girls went to the priest's office to seek his blessings after service in the Church.

The alleged incident came to light after a teacher overheard the girls, who are classmates, discussing the experience. The teacher alerted the Childline authorities who in turn informed the police.

According to a source, the priest has been suspended by the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese after the incident came to light.

Padyatty has been charged under Section 7and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), an official at Vadakkekara Police Station told PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)