Man Of God Strays From Righteous Path - Unable To Pay Prayer Hall Rent, Pastor Steals Bikes

A pastor from Madurai, Tamil Nadu allegedly stole 12 bikes to cope with financial struggle. The accused confessed his crime, as per a report in TNN. His name is Vijayan Samuel.

Samuel's native place is Theni. He was running a prayer hall at a rented property for 2 years. This is in Thanakkakulam. He chose to steal the vehicles because he could not pay the rent.

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After an investigation was conducted, it was revealed that no visitors came as a result of the coronavirus lockdown. The pastor stopped congregation services, but had to come up with Rs 10,000 for the rent.

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So he allegedly decided to steal. He started targeting parked bikes with keys intact. The areas he frequented were SS Colony, Thirumangalam and Subramaniyapuram.

The pastor would pledge the vehicles' documents for cash.

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Samuel was captured when took one such bike to a mechanic to get it repaired. The mechanic it was similar his customer's vehicle. Suspicious, he let the customer know. When the man whose bike it resembled arrived, that confirmed he was the owner. It was then they informed the police and the accused was taken into custody.