A monk who violently beat a young novice has been arrested and is now facing legal action, according to reports.

The suspect, identified as U Teza, is a monk from Kyauk Phyu Taung Patipatti Tawya Monastery in Myeik.

He has since been disrobed and taken into custody. Senior members of the Sangha authority are currently conducting an investigation, said Sayadaw U Thunanda, who assisted in looking into the incident, in a social media post.

The Sayadaw also expressed special thanks to senior communications officials, the Myeik Township General Administration Department, and the district religious affairs office for their cooperation in handling the case.

A video showing a monk brutally beating and punching a young novice began circulating on social media on the night of April 21, triggering widespread criticism.

Following the video, calls for action against the offending monk quickly emerged online.