Kothamangalam: The Syro-Malabar Church has issued a strong call for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the mysterious death of a 23-year-old woman from Kothamangalam, alleging that the case bears links to Panayikulam a locality long associated with extremist networks.
Fr. James Kokkavayalil, Secretary of the Church’s Public Affairs Commission, expressed deep concern over the manner in which the police are handling the case. According to him, several crucial charges, including forced conversion, have been conspicuously omitted from the investigation. “The government should have the courage to invoke the right sections of the law and pursue the truth,” he stated, warning that unrelated controversies are being manufactured to divert public attention from the real issue.
Referring to the Church’s gratitude towards Union Minister Rajiv Chandrasekhar and central government representative Sean George for their intervention in the Chhattisgarh Christian harassment issue, Fr. Kokkavayalil said their ability to act stemmed from their direct access to the Centre. “It is the duty of the Church to thank those who extend timely help. All political parties took part in the intervention, and politicizing it now is unwarranted,” he said.
The priest also criticised the CPI(M), calling its reaction to the case “unfortunate” and urging the party to uphold a truly secular approach. He accused the state government of sitting on the JB Koshy Commission report for over two years, despite the findings being crucial to addressing persistent challenges faced by the Christian community in Kerala.
Addressing a separate controversy involving a “cake incident,” Fr. Kokkavayalil said:
“Christians have always welcomed everyone. Hospitality is a part of our tradition. Whether it is the BJP or any other party, all have political goals. The Church is not anyone’s permanent vote bank it engages with all, cooperates with all, but remains independent in its convictions.”
The Church’s position underscores a widening trust deficit between Kerala’s Christian community and the state government, while also highlighting the interplay of religion, politics, and national security concerns in sensitive criminal investigations.
If you want, I can also prepare a hard-hitting editorial version of this same story with sharper political analysis and a stronger focus on the Panayikulam-terror link angle. That would make it stand out as a piece of investigative commentary rather than just straight news.
Vicar General (proto synchellus) of Changanacherry Archdiocese Fr. Antony Ethakkattu was also present during the press conference.