Assault on elderly couple: Mangalore Diocese removes priest from religious duties

Team Udayavani, Mar 3, 2024, 9:15 AM IST

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Mangaluru: Following the CCTV footage of a church priest allegedly assaulting an elderly couple in Pariyalthadka village, Dakshina Kannada going viral, the Diocese of Mangalore has removed the accused priest from religious duties.

Fr Nelson Olivera, the Parish priest of Christ the King parish at Manela allegedly assaulted the elderly couple during a visit for house blessings on February 29.

The incident is said to have originated from differences of opinion between the couple and the priest. Matters escalated into a verbal confrontation, resulting in the alleged assault. Both parties were subsequently hospitalized, though no formal complaint has been lodged.

In response, the Diocese of Mangalore issued a press release expressing profound regret over the incident and announcing Fr Nelson Olivera’s removal from his ministry at Christ the King church. The Diocese pledged full cooperation with law enforcement. “The diocese of Mangalore will also initiate canonical enquiries for establishing the truth of the facts to take adequate future course of action in a just and fair manner,” it said.