The Dalava and the Secretary conspired to have Devasahayam arrested, tortured, and executed. To achieve their goal, they fabricated numerous false accusations against him and wasted no time in presenting them to the King. One of the accusations claimed that Devasahayam had influenced the Heir apparent to donate land for the construction of a church. Fueled by anger, they emphasized the urgency of stopping Devasahayam and eradicating the influence of Christians. They even warned the King that failure to act would result in the disappearance of his kingdom. Consequently, the King ordered the immediate arrest of Devasahayam. This sinister plot, devised by the King's secretary and a Brahmin, was carried out in secret, but thanks to some loyal friends, Devasahayam became aware of it and took precautions to ensure his safety. Undeterred by the impending danger, he refused to succumb to cowardice and continued to bravely fulfill his duties as a devout Christian.
Despite the imminent threat of imprisonment, Devasahayam remained steadfast in his faith and sought solace in attending a church located 18 miles away from the palace. He found comfort in partaking in the sacrament of confession, which purified his conscience, and nourished his soul by receiving the holy communion, often referred to as the "bread of angels." Even in his current predicament, he intended to seek guidance and counsel from Fr. Buttari at Vadakkankulam, who had previously provided him with invaluable advice and encouragement. Devasahayam cherished the Christian community he had initially joined when he first embraced the faith, and he was prepared to answer the call from the King, fully aware that his time was running out.
When Devasahayam received the King's order, he wasted no time in informing his friend De Lannoy. De Lannoy, in turn, urged the Servant of God to remain resolute in his faith despite the mounting persecution and pleaded for more time on his behalf. Together, they sought the guidance of Fr. Barreiros, S.J., who listened to Devasahayam's confession and administered communion to him. This spiritual encounter further fortified the Servant of God, instilling him with unwavering strength and determination.
Therefore, Devasahayam was readied akin to a sacrificial lamp, just as the early Church martyrs were prepared for the sacrifice of their lives. Subsequently, the Servant of God was apprehended on the 23rd of February 1749, nearly four years following his baptism.
