A rector was stabbed to death by a former verger at St. Thomas Church in Kurishumudi. Kochi Cheranellur native Fr. Xavier Thelakkad was killed by Church verger Johnny, who was dismissed from the verger position earlier. After injuring the rector on his left thigh, the culprit managed to escape to the forest region nearby.

The rector was attacked by Johnny on the sixth point of Kurishumala. The motive of the murder is said to be the revenge on the rector who had taken disciplinary action against Johnny. Johnny was terminated for a period of three months and he approached the rector to take him back to the service.

Kerala Police have started searching for Johnny who escaped into the forest. The rector could not be taken to the hospital after the attack immediately causing his death. The mortal remains of the priest is kept in Angamali hospital. Fr. Xavier Thelakkad was a practicing advocate.

Source: www.english.mathrubhumi.com