Former Kolkata bishop, released

Kolkata: Former Kolkata bishop Probal Dutta has been “released” from his position by the Church of North India (CNI). He will no longer remain attached to any of the CNI churches, confirmed officials in Delhi.

Bishop Dutta had earlier applied for voluntary retirement on health grounds and his application was accepted at the executive committee meeting of the CNI in Delhi on Friday.

An investigation report against Dutta was also placed in that meeting regarding charges that were levelled against him in Kolkata and Durgapur, the two dioceses that he used to head.

In Kolkata, the charges included appointment of a legal counsel for La Martiniere schools, the restoration of Bishop House and removal of certain office holders. Bishop Dutta had replied to all of these and claimed innocence. The investigation report was supposed to be considered in the EC meeting and action was awaited.

“We had received a voluntary retirement plea and we have released him. We have not gone into the outcome of the probe report. He is no longer associated with any CNI church ,” said P C Singh, moderator of the Synod, the highest decision-making body of the CNI. Bishop Dutta was not available for comment.