A Catholic priest from Kerala, identified as Fr James Cherickal, has been arrested in Brampton, Canada, on charges of sexual assault and sexual interference involving a minor. The Archdiocese of Toronto, where he served, confirmed the arrest by Peel Regional Police on December 18. Fr Cherickal, associated with the Archdiocese since 1997, has been removed from pastoral ministry. The Archdiocese stated he is entitled to due process and presumed innocent until proven guilty.