Vatican suspends Jalahalli priest accused of rape

By Chethan Kumar
Times of India
January 12, 2015

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Vatican-suspends-Jalahalli-priest-accused-of-rape/articleshow/45848763.cms

BENGALURU: In a first as is being described, the Vatican has suspended a priest in Bengaluru.

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

Bartholomeow, police sources investigating Pastor KJ Thomas' murder case, say, was a close associate of Fr Patrick, a priest arrested in the murder case.

Bengaluru Archbishop Bernard Moras, while confirming the suspension, told TOI: "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)."