CHENNAI: Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios, head of the Syro-Malankara diocese of Pathanamthitta, has been arrested in a case pertaining to illegal sand mining. The Tamil Nadu crime branch CID arrested him.

The bishop was arrested for illegally mining sand from Thamirabarani river at Amba Samudram in Tirunelveli. Vicar General Shaji Thomas Manikkulam was also arrested in the case. Four priests were also arrested. All the accused have been remanded. The bishop and the vicar general who suffered chest pain have been admitted at a hospital in Tirunelveli.

The Pathanamthitta diocese has 300 acres of land at Amba Samudram in Tamil Nadu. This land has been under the control of the church for 40 years. The bishop and other priests were arrested by the Madras High Court on charges of illegal sand mining in the area near the Thamarabharani river.

The church said they had entrusted Manuel George to cultivate in the area on contract. The church alleged that as they could not visit the place for the past two years due to Covid, Manuel George violated the contract and did illegal sand mining. The church explained that they have been involved in the case as they are the real owner of the property. The diocese said they had initiated legal proceedings against Manuel George. He had been arrested in the case earlier. The church has started taking steps to release them on bail.