Buriram abbot denies misconduct and firearm possession
Accusations against a revered abbot in Buriram province have emerged, involving inappropriate conduct and possession of a firearm within a temple. The abbot, however, firmly denies all allegations, asserting his innocence and urging Buddhist officials to investigate the claims thoroughly.
Residents of Chorakhe Mak in Prakhon Chai district expressed concerns about the abbot’s alleged behaviours, which include sending explicit video clips of himself to a woman and possessing a gun within the temple grounds.
Residents called for a thorough investigation to preserve the integrity of the Buddhist community. Responding to these allegations, police inspector Somboon Dikasem, along with a team of officers and community leaders, visited the temple to conduct an investigation.
Upon arrival, the team met with the abbot, who was seated in his quarters. They were granted permission to search the premises, specifically looking for a firearm as per the complaints.
Despite an extensive search, no weapons or any illegal items were discovered, leaving the officials unable to take immediate action.
Regarding the claim of sending explicit videos, the search only yielded a brown box resembling the one seen in the alleged video. However, there was no definitive proof tying it to the video in question.
Inappropriate videos
The abbot categorically denied owning a firearm or sending any inappropriate videos. He expressed confidence that the allegations were fabrications and called upon the monastic council and the National Office of Buddhism to investigate for the sake of fairness.
“I am certain these accusations are false. How could a monk have a gun? As for the video, I believe it’s an act of defamation.”
As the investigation proceeded, temple visitors vouched for the abbot’s character, describing him as a dedicated monk committed to development projects. They strongly believed the abbot was being targeted by individuals with personal grievances.
The abbot himself reiterated that he had been subjected to similar accusations in the past, which were proven false after thorough investigations by Buddhist officials.
“This is not the first time I’ve faced such claims. Previously, there were accusations about women, temple funds, and even assault but they were all baseless except for one incident.”
The abbot recounted an altercation where he defended himself from a villager who accused him of being involved with his wife.
Recurring allegations
The matter was resolved without further issues, and prior investigations found no wrongdoing on the abbot’s part. He expressed frustration over the recurring allegations and mentioned contemplating leaving the monastic order.
“I’m tired of these baseless accusations. I’ve considered disrobing.”
The mysterious brown box, similar to one in the alleged video, had been in the abbot’s quarters for some time. He suggested that someone might have created a fake social media account in his name to further the defamation. He declared his willingness to undergo any investigation to prove his innocence.
Ekkanarin, a village deputy chief, noted that the recent allegations were not widely discussed among local villagers but rather originated from neighbouring communities.
He confirmed that previous investigations by the monastic council addressed various complaints, including those about women, temple finances, and altercations. However, he had never witnessed or heard of the abbot possessing a firearm.
If future complaints arise, Ekkanarin insisted that the monastic council must conduct thorough investigations to uphold the sanctity of Buddhism. Should any wrongdoing be confirmed, appropriate actions would be taken to prevent any tarnishing of the religion’s reputation, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why might someone fabricate allegations against a religious figure?
Motivations could include personal grievances, power struggles, or attempts to discredit influential figures in the community.
How can allegations impact the reputation of a religious community?
False accusations can erode trust, create division, and damage the community’s public image, requiring diligent investigation to restore integrity.
What if the abbot is innocent, and how could this situation affect his future?
Proving innocence might restore his reputation, but repeated allegations could still prompt him to reconsider his role or leave the order.
How do investigations in religious settings differ from secular ones?
They often involve spiritual authorities and community leaders, focusing on preserving faith integrity alongside legal scrutiny.
What role does social media play in shaping public perception of such cases?
Social media can amplify allegations, spread misinformation, and influence public opinion before facts are verified.
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