Vatican suspends Bangalore priest accused of rape

Activists are now campaigning for reopening of the case.

Bangalore:  The Vatican has suspended a priest of Bangalore archdiocese accused of rape in what is described as a first in India.

Father S Bartholomeow, the parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Jalahalli in North Bengaluru, was accused in a rape case in 2013 in Kunigal, Tumkur district. The case was subsequently closed after the complainant turned hostile. A

Activists are now campaigning for reopening of the case.

Bartholomeow, police sources investigating the murder of St Peter’s rector Father KJ Thomas, say was a close associate of Fr Patrick, a priest arrested in the murder case.

Bangalore Archbishop Bernard Moras, while confirming the suspension, told Times of India newspaper: "He has received the order, I cannot comment on why he was suspended or any other details now. It's best you ask him (Bartholomeow)."

Source: Times of India