Guwahati | March 26, 2026: The Diocese of Dibrugarh in Northeast India is in deep mourning following the tragic and mysterious death of 91-year-old priest Fr. Joseph Mulen, who was found dead near railway tracks in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, after going missing during a train journey.
Fr. Mulen, a priest for over 62 years, had been travelling from Dibrugarh to Ernakulam aboard the Vivek Express on March 22, accompanied by his relative and caretaker, Fr. Manjit Barla. According to initial reports, the journey had remained uneventful for nearly two days.
However, at around 12:10 a.m. on March 24, near Vijayawada, Fr. Barla noticed that the elderly priest was missing from his side lower berth. Assuming initially that he had gone to the restroom, a search of the train was undertaken. When repeated efforts failed to locate him, railway authorities were immediately informed.
Railway police conducted an onboard search operation, but Fr. Mulen could not be traced. Fr. Barla subsequently disembarked at Nellore and returned toward Vijayawada and Eluru to continue the search, while others accompanying them proceeded to Kerala in case the priest had rejoined the train elsewhere. Missing complaints were reportedly filed at both Nellore and Vijayawada railway stations.
Efforts to trace the missing priest intensified with the assistance of the “Don Bosco for Migrants” (DB4M) network and railway authorities, including the examination of CCTV footage from multiple stations, though no conclusive leads emerged.
Earlier today, Robin Hibu, Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi, issued an urgent appeal on social media seeking details and photographs to aid a coordinated search. He assured that the matter had been taken up with senior railway officials and police authorities for an “all-out search operation.”
Tragically, minutes later, he confirmed that Fr. Mulen had been found dead on the railway tracks near Eluru.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and authorities are expected to investigate the sequence of events leading to his death.
Official Statement from the Diocese
In an official communication, Bishop Albert Hemrom of Dibrugarh expressed “deep sorrow and profound sadness” over the untimely and tragic demise of Fr. Joseph Mulen.
“Fr. Joseph Mulen was a devoted priest, dedicated to his ministry and committed to serving God’s people with sincerity and zeal. His gentle presence, pastoral care, and faithful service will be greatly missed,” the Bishop stated.
Commending the departed priest to God’s mercy, he added, “We believe that the Lord, whom he served faithfully in his priestly ministry, will welcome him into His eternal kingdom.”
He also urged priests, religious, and the faithful to remember Fr. Mulen in their prayers and to offer Holy Masses for the repose of his soul, while praying for strength and consolation for the grieving family and the diocesan community.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.”
Fr. Joseph Mulen had long been retired from active ministry but remained a respected priest in the Diocese of Dibrugarh for his decades of faithful service. His passing under such tragic and uncertain circumstances has deeply shaken the Church in the region.
On the second day of the Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting, the Diocese of Itanagar observed a moment of silence, inviting all present to pray for the departed soul.
Bishop Benny Varghese Edathattel of Itanagar conveyed the sorrowful news to the assembly and expressed heartfelt condolences to Fr. Dr. G.P. Amalraj, Deputy Secretary of the Northeast India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC), and Fr. Kuriakose Poovathumkudy, Secretary of the Doctrine and Theology Commission of NEIRBC, both priests of the Diocese of Dibrugarh.
The Diocese, which recently mourned the loss of another priest due to cardiac arrest, now faces a second bereavement in quick succession, intensifying the sense of grief among clergy and faithful.
As tributes continue to pour in, Church leaders have expressed gratitude to civil authorities, railway officials, and volunteers who assisted in the search efforts, even as they call for prayers and solidarity in this moment of sorrow.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.