Pastor, son held for stealing cars in Kerala

The police said that Thomas and his son are part of a larger group engaged in selling rented vehicles.

Merphin and Thomas John

Kottayam:  Police in Kerala's Kottayam district arrested a pastor and his son, who were allegedly engaged in absconding with rented vehicles and selling it out later.

The people arrested on Monday were identified as Thomas John alias pastor Thomas, 49, hailing from Udumbanchola in Idukki and his son Merphin, 22.

Pastor Thomas, who is with the Church of God, has been residing in a rented house for a while.

According to police, the arrest was made on the basis of a complaint filed by Sajan Paul of Kothanalloor near Kottayam.

The complainant said that his car was given to Pastor Thomas on rent on January 22. Thomas defaulted paying the rent after a period of one month and soon changed his phone number reportedly to escape from being contacted.

On the basis of a complaint, the shadow police wing arrested Thomas from his hiding place.

The police said that Thomas and his son are part of a larger group engaged in selling rented vehicles and that an inquiry has been launched to nab the other members in the group.

Source: New Indian Express