Priest arrested for attempting to snatch worker’s gold chain after throwing chilli powder in her eyes

A temple priest has been arrested for allegedly attempting to snatch a woman’s gold chain after throwing chilli powder into her eyes at a temple in Pathanamthitta. The accused has been identified as Bijimon MP (52), a resident of Mettayil house near Pookode Gurumandiram in Elanthoor. He was serving as the priest at the Ullannur Pulikkootinal Temple.

According to the Elavumthitta police, Bijimon attempted to steal the gold chain of Vijayamma, 63, a temple cleaner. The incident took place around 6 am on Friday. Vijayamma had arrived at the temple as usual to open and clean the premises. While she was sweeping the temple, Bijimon allegedly arrived on a motorcycle. He parked the vehicle some distance away and entered the temple through a nearby rubber plantation.

Police said the priest had earlier applied chilli powder to a cloth used at the temple. He allegedly pressed the cloth against Vijayamma’s face, causing her to suffocate and temporarily impairing her vision. He then attempted to snatch the gold chain from her neck.

However, Vijayamma resisted the attempt and started shouting for help. The priest allegedly fled the spot following her screams. Hearing the commotion, residents rushed to the temple and searched the surrounding area. They eventually caught the fleeing priest and handed him over to the police.

The Elavumthitta police said that the accused was involved in a murder case registered at the Pathanamthitta police station and another criminal case registered at the Koipuram police station. An FIR has been registered by the police.

The accused was produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody.