Kerala priest accused of sexual assault on minor

India Jun 13, 2025

A Catholic priest from Kerala, Father Paul Thattuparambil of Athirumavu Parish, has been booked under the POCSO Act after a 16-year-old boy reported being sexually assaulted. The alleged incidents happened between May and August 2024, and police registered the case after the boy spoke up during a counseling session that was part of a meditation program.

Parish official urged people to write letters claiming his innocence

Father Thattuparambil has been missing since the case was filed three days ago, with some saying he might try for anticipatory bail. Meanwhile, an audio message from a parish official reportedly urged people to write letters claiming his innocence—a move police say could slow down their investigation. The news has left many in the local community shocked as police continue their search.