The All Women Police in Ambur here arrested a 45-year-old temple priest for sexually assaulting a 28-year-old woman. He has been suspended from service by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments.

The police said that the arrested person, A. Thyagarajan, had asked the woman, who was a sanitation worker at the temple, to go to his house and fetch food prepared for the temple staff. He then followed her to his house, where he allegedly threatened and sexually assaulted her.

Based on a complaint filed by her, the Ambur police registered a case under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Special teams were formed to nab the suspect, who had absconded.

After analysing CCTV footage, the police traced him to Puducherry and arrested him. Further probe is under way.