Sambalpur, Nov. 12, 2025: Bishop Niranjan Sualsingh of Sambalpur in Odisha has urged his faithful to pray for a diocesan priest arrested following a motorcycle accident.
The bishop’s November 11 circular asked Catholics and people of goodwill “to keep Father Paul Adapoor in their prayers, that he may be strengthened by faith and delivered from his present trials.”
Expressing deep concern, the bishop wrote, “It is with great sadness that I inform you about an unfortunate incident involving Fr. Paul Adapoor, the Parish Priest of Meghpal Parish.”
On November 9, at around 2:00 pm., Father Adapoor was returning from Sambalpur to Meghpal when his vehicle was involved in an accident near Hiro village, under the jurisdiction of Jujumura Police Station. A motorcyclist, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, collided with the priest’s vehicle and died at the scene.
Following the accident, a crowd gathered at the scene. In the ensuing tension, Father Adapoor was physically assaulted by some members of the mob. The police intervened promptly, rescued him, and took him to to the station for his safety and to complete the necessary legal formalities.
A case has been registered, including Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita that denied the priest bail. He was sent to Sambalpur Jail on November 10.
“We are in close contact with the concerned authorities and are taking all necessary legal steps, including applying for bail at the District Court. We remain confident that truth and justice will prevail and that Fr. Paul will be released soon,” the bishop assured.
“In this difficult time, I earnestly request your prayers for Father Paul Adapoor, that the Lord may strengthen him with courage, peace, and hope. Let us also pray for the departed soul of the person who lost his life in this tragic accident, and for his bereaved family, that they may find consolation in the Lord,” he added.
“May our loving God, who is our refuge and strength in times of distress, protect Fr. Paul and bring about a just and peaceful resolution to this situation.”
In his appeal, Bishop Sualsingh reminded the faithful the core of Christian trust: “May our loving God, who is our refuge and strength in times of distress.”