Bengaluru: Following messages being circulated on various social networking platforms, the Christian community in the city is in shock, fearing that the abducted Indian priest could be crucified on Good Friday by the ISIS militants.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil, 56, member of the Salesian order, who hails from Kerala, has been working at the Missionaries of Charity, a home for the elderly run by the church in Yemen, for the last four years. He was abducted by the IS militants during a attack on the old age home in Aden, southern Yemen recenly. At least 16 people including 4 nuns were killed in the attack.

Following messages being circulated on social media sites, Christian community members have begun prayers for the abducted priest and are hoping that he would be spared by the militant group.

Several religious groups have posted on social media that they have received reports that Father Tom will be crucified on Friday during the Christian holiday.

However, a spokesman for the Salesians in Bengaluru, said, “We have absolutely no information. The Order doesn’t even have information on the group that took the priest let alone their intentions. [N]o one has claimed responsibility,” said Fr. Mathew Valarkot.

“These are all rumors. When no has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, how do we know other details?” he said.