Kochi: Kerala Pope Francises expelled a Kerala priest from all priestly duties and rights on conviction of a rape case. According to the church officials, Siro-Malabar church priest Robin Vadakkum Chery is currently is in jail for impregnating a 16 year girl in Mananthavadi Diocese.

He has been dispensed from the exercise of priestly duties and rights that means he has been reduced to the state of layman, said the official. A POCSO court in Thalasseri sentenced Vadakkum Chery to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in 2019. The court was also fined to him Rs. 3,00,000/- (Rupees Three Lakh) also.