Kochi: A shocking incident at Kalamassery Marthoma Home, where anti-social elements breached the property’s boundary wall and carried out illegal construction despite a standing court order, has drawn strong condemnation from the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC). The Council has urged the state government to take urgent steps to ensure security and justice for the priests, nuns, and residents of the institution.
According to reports, the incident occurred just past midnight on September 4, when nearly 70 individuals systematically invaded the land that has been under the lawful possession of the Marthoma Home for more than 45 years. The intruders not only encroached on the property but also threatened priests and nuns, including elderly and sick residents, who now face restrictions on their freedom of movement due to blocked access routes.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, police action has been minimal. Although four individuals were briefly taken into custody following public criticism, they were released on bail almost immediately. Church authorities, maintaining restraint to prevent any disturbance to Kerala’s communal and social harmony, refrained from making aggressive public statements, expecting the police to act decisively. However, with three weeks having passed without substantive investigation or removal of the illegal encroachment, frustration is mounting within the Church and among the faithful.
KCBC President Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos issued a stern statement emphasizing that tolerance for the sake of social harmony should not be misused as an opportunity for injustice. He declared that all those behind this act of trespass must be held accountable and the illegal encroachment cleared without delay. The Cardinal also insisted that the government has a constitutional obligation to guarantee the security and dignity of the residents, and that justice cannot be delayed any further.
The incident has sparked wider concern about the protection of religious institutions and the credibility of the legal system. With the KCBC taking a strong stance, the issue is expected to place mounting pressure on authorities to act decisively and restore confidence in law enforcement.