Father Paul Thattupurambil, Vicar of St Paul’s Church in Athirumavu belonging to the Archdiocese of Thalassery, surrendered before the Kasaragod Court on Saturday (July 26, 2025) in connection with the case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) act.
He had been absconding for several weeks after being accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy. Following the accusation, Archbishop Joseph Pamplany of Tellicherry had ordered the removal of Father Paul from his office and issued an order prohibiting from priestly ministry.
The case pertains to repeated unnatural sex assault that allegedly took place between May 15 and August 13, 2024. The survivor revealed the abuse during a school counselling session which was subsequently reported to Childline. A complaint was then registered at the Chittarikal police station.
Following the complaint Father Paul went into hiding. The police launched a State-wide search forming three special investigation teams that traced his possible moments to Chennai, Mangaluru and Mumbai.
Police sources said they will now seek his custody for further interrogation.
Published – July 27, 2025 10:15 am IST
