KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have started an investigation against a bishop of the Syro-Malabar Church for alleged misappropriation of crores of rupees received from abroad for charitable purposes. Bishop was questioned by the ED last week. Information including whether a case has been registered has not been confirmed.

The bishop is in charge of dioceses outside Kerala. He was questioned when he arrived in Kochi to attend a Synod meeting. It is indicated that he has been instructed to appear again this week.

Bishop is the executive director of a voluntary organization that does social work. The organization formed in Canada receives billions of rupees in donations from abroad. It is alleged that huge amount was diverted under the cover of paper projects huge sums of money were given to preferred people. It is also alleged that money has been transacted with anti-national organizations.

The NIA had inspected the Ernakulam office of the NGO. Bishop was interrogated after the NIA got the information regarding the money transaction from there. If evidence is received, a case may be registered under the Anti-Black Money Act

Continued despite becoming bishop
This Malayali priest was implementing projects to make poor families self-sufficient under the auspices of a voluntary organization started in Canada. Preference will be given to projects that emphasize self-employment. Government schemes will also be availed. Bishop, who came to Canada as an assistant to the founder while a priest, later became the executive director. He returned and continued as the Executive Director even after becoming an Auxiliary Bishop and Bishop.

Mass Controversy

It has been alleged that the dispute related to the unified mass is behind the complaint. It is alleged that those who oppose the position taken by the bishop in the Mass are behind the complaint. Although the matter was discussed within the church, the authorities did not respond.