A priest from St. Paul Church in Athirummavu has been accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy, with police registering a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The priest, Father Paul Thattuparambil, reportedly went into hiding soon after the case was filed.

The boy, a Class XI student, disclosed details of the alleged abuse during a counselling session held at a retreat centre run by the church. The facility, known for hosting spiritual guidance sessions, alerted Childline immediately after the session. Childline then passed on the information to the Chittarikkal police, who formally opened an investigation.

Based on the minor’s statement, investigators claim the priest sexually assaulted the boy multiple times between May 15 and August 13, 2024, taking him not only to his residence the parsonage bu,t also to other undisclosed locations. “Grave charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were invoked against the priest based on the boy’s statement,” confirmed Inspector Ranjith Raveendran, the Station House Officer at Chittarikkal.

Priest Missing After Abuse Case Filed

Following the registration of the case, initial claims suggested the priest was being treated at a private hospital. However, police later dismissed that report, stating that Fr. Thattuparambil had gone into hiding. Investigators believe he may soon apply for anticipatory bail, and efforts are ongoing to track his whereabouts.

Father Thattuparambil, who hails from Ernakulam, has served as the vicar at Athirummavu for approximately a year and a half. Prior to this assignment, he held a post at a nearby parish in Kannur district.

The case has taken a controversial turn with the circulation of an audio message from a parish official on WhatsApp. The voice note, widely shared among parishioners, insists that Fr. Thattuparambil is being falsely accused and urges community members to defend him. “Because that’s the only thing that can save him,” the message says, asking recipients to send registered letters to the police affirming the priest’s character.

Supporters Claim Priest Is Being Framed

Supporters of Fr. Paul have voiced doubts about the complaint. One fellow clergyman, speaking anonymously, said: “We certainly believe that Fr Paul is innocent in this case and it clearly looks like an attempt to defame him. Let the police probe the case and we are ready to cooperate with the investigation.”

Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have raised concerns that such messages could be an attempt to influence the investigation, which remains active. Police continue to search for the priest, while Church authorities have not issued any official statement yet.