Thiruvananthapuram: The death of a 34-year-old priest is under a cloud of suspicion after his relatives and the Malankara Catholic Church to which he belonged alleged foul play behind the incident. Devotees have demanded that the people responsible for the priest’s death should be brought before justice.
It was presumed initially that Fr Albin Varghese, the priest of the Vimala Hridaya Matha Church at Kavadithala in Thiruvananthapuram district, had committed suicide. He was found hanging in the parsonage attached to the church on Wednesday evening.
His brother Robin Varghese and Vicar General of the Major Archdiocese Mathew Manakkarakkavil Cor Episcopa later met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and submitted a complaint which said that Albin had no reason to take his own life. They also sought a thorough investigation into the death.
Last hours
Earlier, Albin had reached his room around 2 pm on Wednesday from the hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment following an accident. No one had seen the priest alive afterwards. Some people had tried to contact him over the phone, but the calls were not attended.
A few members of the laity had reached the parsonage around 3 pm but they had found the main door locked from inside. According to the complaint submitted to the chief minister, a stranger then appeared behind a window and spoke to the visitors. He said that Albin was taking rest inside and would not meet them.
At 4.30 pm, a group of nuns reached the priest’s quarters with tea, but the door was again locked and they went back. However, 30 minutes later, the door was found open and the stranger earlier seen inside the building was missing, giving rise to suspicions.
Public pressure
When the police officers arrived on Thursday morning to prepare the inquest and take the priest’s body for autopsy, the devotees and local people blocked them. As they demanded the presence of senior police officers, the Commissioner and others arrived. Senior forensic officials also reached the spot and collected evidence. The police have intensified the probe into the incident.
The church authorities stated that the probe has been satisfactory so far.
The funeral of the priest, son of Thevalappurath Varghese and Omana of Alakkuzhi in Kottarakkara, was held at the Malankara Catholic Church, Alakkuzhi.
Apart from his parents, Albin is survived by siblings Robin Varghese and Jassie Varghese.
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