Shocking Abuse Uncovered at Sacred Bodh Gaya
New Delhi, Sept 1, 2018 – In a scandal that has rocked the Buddhist community, senior monk Bhante Shanghpriya Sujoy has been arrested for the alleged sexual abuse of 15 boys at a meditation center in the UNESCO‑protected town of Bodh Gaya.
What’s Happening?
- Victims, aged 6–12, from poor families were allegedly beat, humiliated, and even forced to dance naked by their own spiritual teacher.
- Police say the children were locked up, denied food and water whenever they resisted.
- The cases surfaced after the boys’ guardians raised alarms about the brutal treatment.
Why It Matters
With thousands of pilgrims flocking to Bodh Gaya every year, the incident has sent shockwaves through a place that symbolizes serenity and enlightenment. This is part of a broader pattern: recently a high‑ranking Chinese Buddhist figure was also ousted after a similar investigation.
Next Steps
Authorities are digging into the trust that runs the school, seeking to uncover how a spiritual haven can become a place of terror. For now, Bhante Shanghpriya Sujoy is in custody, and the community awaits justice for these young victims.
