Kerala: Catholic priest stabbed to death at foothills of Kurisumudi

A man allegedly stabbed a Catholic priest to death on Thursday to revenge his suspension from the post of sacristan.

The 52-year-old priest has been identified as Fr Xavier Thelakkatt of the St Thomas International Hill Shrine ‘Kurisumudi’ in Malayattoor. The deceased was also a rector of Christian pilgrim Centre in Kerala.  

Police said, the accused has been identified as Johnny Vattekadan. “The accused attacked the priest while he was climbing down Kurismudy hills. Priest succumbed to his injuries during treatment”

Kerala Police have formed a team to nab the accused.

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A statement released by Syro-Malabar Catholic Church said that Xavier had suspended Johnny from the post of sacristan a few weeks back.

According to Syrian Christians staying in Kerala, St Thomas — one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ — had visited Kurisumudy after landing at Kodungalloor in AD 52 and is believed to have footprints of St Thomas.