A video circulating on social media platforms claims to depict the arrest of a church vicar in Kerala for distributing drugs to children. The footage shows a group of people gathered outside a building, with police officers escorting a priest away. However, upon investigation, it has been revealed that this portrayal is misleading and does not reflect the actual events.

Origin of the Video

The incident in question occurred on June 25, 2023, at the Fathima Matha Church in Kuthirakoor Kari, a region within the Chellanam Grama Panchayat near Kochi. On that day, the parish priest failed to attend the scheduled Holy Mass, citing health issues. This absence led to unrest among the parishioners, who confronted the priest at the church premises. Concerned about the escalating tensions, local authorities intervened to ensure the priest's safety, escorting him away from the agitated crowd. Notably, no formal complaints or cases were registered against the priest in connection with this incident.

Misrepresentation on Social Media

Recently, snippets of this 2023 incident have resurfaced online, accompanied by false narratives alleging the priest's involvement in drug distribution to children. This misrepresentation has caused confusion and unwarranted alarm within the community.

Clarifications from Local Authorities
To address these rumors, several key figures and organizations have provided clarifications:

• Jose Mariadas, Member of Chellanam Grama Panchayat: He emphasized that the social media posts are misleading. The 2023 incident was unrelated to any drug-related activities. The priest's absence from the Mass led to emotional reactions from the parishioners, prompting police intervention to ensure his safety.

• V.B. Leenachan, Local Photographer: He corroborated that the incident was not connected to drug dealings. He mentioned that the priest had consumed alcohol with acquaintances prior to the Mass, leading to his absence. This absence upset some parishioners, resulting in the confrontation.

• Kannamaly Police Station: Authorities confirmed that the viral video is being misrepresented. The 2023 incident involved parishioners expressing their dissatisfaction due to the priest's absence from the Mass. The police intervened solely to de-escalate the situation and ensure the priest's safety. No drug-related allegations were involved, and no cases were registered.

The circulation of this misleading video underscores the importance of verifying information before accepting it as truth. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary panic and tarnish reputations without cause. The public is urged to rely on credible sources and exercise caution when encountering sensational claims on social media platforms.