Kochi: Police in Kochi, Kerala, have registered a case against unidentified persons, who allegedly assaulted a Catholic layman who demanded a law to government Church properties and institutions.
Joseph Varghese alleged that he was attacked when he decided to celebrate his 57 birthday on March 18 by distributing sweets outside St George Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Edappally, a northern suburb of Kerala.
He also distributed pamphlets seeking the implementation of the Christian Church Properties and Institutions Trust Bill that the Kerala Law Reforms Commission submitted in 2009.
Varghese also reportedly protested against Cardinal George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Church now embroiled in a land sale controversy.
He complained that unidentified men beat him up and fled the scene after snatching the pamphlets.
Police said that the alleged incident happened outside the church around 7:30am and that Varghese claimed that he could identify two of his assailants.
“I am currently protesting outside churches across the state and trying to create awareness about the proposed Church Act and the need for its implementation,” said Varghese, who also dissuaded the laity from making donations to church, alleging misappropriation by the church.
The Catholic layman said that he was distributing sweets outside the church at 7 am and after 30 minutes he was approached by one of the assailants who wanted him to leave the area. They assaulted him when he refused to do so. Varghese sustained a wound on his face and was taken to the general hospital in Ernakulam. He later lodged a complaint with the police.
(Source: The Times of India)