Indian church officials dismiss reports of abducted Bangalore priest's crucifixion in Yemen

Dismissing reports of crucifixion of an Indian priest, who was reportedly abducted March 4, 2016 in Yemen by an unidentified group, church officials told International Business Times, India Monday that they have no information on the missing priest.

Reports speculating the fate of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was part of the men's congregation of Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco in Bangalore, did the rounds of the internet before Good Friday, saying that he would be crucified March 25. However, the church members maintained that they were still enquiring about Uzhunnalil and no update has been received.

A report on an American News site, Washington Times, said Monday that the priest has indeed been crucified. It said the Easter Vigil Mass by Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna confirmed the news. However, officials from Uzhunnalil's congregation called the rumours "fake."

"We have no information about Father Tom. The Ministry of External Affairs is also making enquiries and so are we. We are praying for his well-being," a Sister at Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, Bangalore, told IBTimes India.

"There is no official news. We have enquired about Father Tom from where the news came, but there is no update. These rumours are fake," manager of the Kottayam centre of the church told IBTimes India.

The Ministry of External Affairs had confirmed Saturday that Father Tom Uzhunnallil was abducted by a terrorist organisation. However, no group has come forth since March 4 to claim responsibility.

The March 4 attack on the retirement home run by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity had led to the death of 16 people, including an Indian nurse.