Kochi, Mar 1:Adheringto a policy of "zero tolerance" towards clergy who sexually exploit minors, Pope Francis has expelled a Kerala priestconvicted of rape from all priestly duties and rights, according to church officials.
Syro-Malabar Church priest Robin Vadakkumchery is currently serving a jail term for impregnating a 16-year-old girl in Mananthavady diocese.
"Vadakkumchery has been dispensed from the exercise of priestly duties and rights. That means he has been reduced to the state of a layman", a Church official told PTI.
He was suspended from priestly duties soon after the news about his crime was reported in early 2017.
A POCSO court in Thalassery last year had sentenced Vadakkumchery to 20 years of Rigorous Imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs three lakh on him.
The priest, 50, was the vicar of the local church in Kottiyur in Kannur district and manager at the school where the victim was studying.
He was arrested two years ago while trying to flee to Canada.
The Vatican's action came two years after Pope Francis made it clear that all bishops should adhere to a policy of "zero tolerance" for clergy who sexually exploit children.
Madikeri, Jan 17: Kannada and Telugu actor Rashmika Mandanna is likely to be further interrogated by Income Tax (I-T) officials on Friday.
The residence and properties by the family of Rashmika were raided by I-T officials on Thursday morning. Following summons issued by I-T officials, Rashmika rushed to her residence on Thursday night and gave details on investments and other financial transactions.
After the interrogation, the I-T officials left for Serenity hall, which is owned by Rashmika's father, at Virajpet at around 2.30 am and stayed back there.
The I-T officials have reportedly directed Rashmika and her father Madan Mandanna not to leave the house.
Bengaluru, Mar 26: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Working President Eshwara Khandre on Thursday suggested to the State government to utilize the infrastructure available at the International Exhibition Centre on the outskirts of the City on Tumakuru Road near Nelamangala, about 15 km from here, for quarantine and treatment of people affected with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a statement here today, Mr Khandre said that the dreaded disease is spreading like wildfire and according to experts the figure may touch one Lakh in the State.
Hence there is necessary to have adequate infrastructure found well in advance and utlise if necessity arises. The Center is built on a 57-acre land and there are sufficient space available and since it is on the outskirts of the city there is no threat of the virus spreading to the Bengaluru City.
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