This story is from December 31, 2025
Sexual assault case in Canada: Catholic priest from Kerala arrested
KOZHIKODE: A Catholic priest from Kerala has been arrested in Canada on charges of sexual assault and sexual interference — a term related to sexual offences involving touching any part of the body of a person under the age of 16 years for sexual purposes — and has been removed from pastoral ministry.
According to a statement issued by the archdiocese of Toronto, Peel Regional Police charged Fr Cherickal with one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference on Dec 18. Fr Cherickal has been serving in various parishes under the archdiocese since 1997.
"Following our protocols and procedures relating to allegations of misconduct, Fr Cherickal has been removed from pastoral ministry," the archdiocese said, adding that as with any accused in Canadian legal system, he is considered innocent until proven guilty and entitled to due process.
The archdiocese added that it looks upon any accusation of misconduct as an urgent matter that requires serious attention.
According to a statement issued by the archdiocese of Toronto, Peel Regional Police charged Fr Cherickal with one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference on Dec 18. Fr Cherickal has been serving in various parishes under the archdiocese since 1997.
"Following our protocols and procedures relating to allegations of misconduct, Fr Cherickal has been removed from pastoral ministry," the archdiocese said, adding that as with any accused in Canadian legal system, he is considered innocent until proven guilty and entitled to due process.
The archdiocese added that it looks upon any accusation of misconduct as an urgent matter that requires serious attention.
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Aashay bbbb
91 days ago
Change the rule of Celebacy for Priests..Let them MarryRead allPost comment
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