By Matters India Reporter

Karimpan, May 22, 2020: Idukki diocese in Kerala has removed a parish priest after his explicit pictures with a married woman appeared on social media platforms.

Father James Mangalasseril has been removed from the post vicar of St George Forane Church, Vellayamkudi, after “serious allegations were raised in social media platforms,” says a May 21 press release from Father Jose Plachickal, the diocesan public relations officer.

Father Mangalasseril’s removal from the vicar’s post came four days after the diocese was alerted about the incident, Father Plachickal told Matters India over phone on May 22.

The public relations officer also said that the diocese has formed a three member commission to probe the matter. The commission is expected to collect details within three to four days, Father Plachickal added.

He said the nationwide lockdown to fight the coronavirus has hindered their work. “The commission could not meet all those they wanted to question because of the lockdown, hence the delay in taking further actions,” he added.

The diocese with headquarters at Karimpan town in Idukki district belongs to the Syro Malabar Church, the larger of two Oriental ritual Churches in India.

Father Plachickal described the scandal as “unfortunate” as it “defames the image of the diocese and the faithful.” He said the diocesan action against the erring priest came immediately.

The incident came into light after some revealing pictures of the 58-year-old priest with the woman appeared on WhatsApp and other social forums. The priest had reportedly given his cellphone for repair. The technician allegedly leaked the photos to social forums.

Some parishioners have expressed surprise and disbelief over the incident.

“I can’t believe that Father James is that type of a person. I think the pictures are morphed,” a parishioner told Matters India on condition of anonymity.

However, he wants the priest punished if he is found guilty. “If found guilty he should be given proper punishment, without any delay,” he added.

While the PRO’s press note is silent on the priest’s present whereabouts, some Malayalam online papers reported that he was undergoing treatment for his eyes.

The online papers also said Father Mangalasseril held prominent position in the diocese such as the vicar general from 2013 to 2017. He was rector of Mar Ephrem Minor Seminary from 2008 to 2013.

He was ordained a priest on January 3, 1990.