Attacker of Malayali priest arrested, says Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said that Australian Police have arrested the attacker of the Indian priest, who was stabbed in Melbourne, and charged him with attempt to murder.

"Our Consulate officials met Father Mathew in the hospital. The police have arrested the attacker and charged him with attempt to murder," Sushma Swaraj said in a tweet on Monday.

"Our Consulate is in touch with the police authorities and will keep us informed of the progress of the case," she tweeted.

Father Mathew, a Catholic priest from Kerala, was attacked by an Italian on Sunday when the former was leading the Sunday mass in a Melbourne church.

He was immediately rushed to the hospital.

Speaking on the reason for attack, the minister said: "The attacker had a problem with Father Mathew presiding over the church."