Kochi: Even after 24 days, justice continues to elude the authorities and the religious community at Kalamassery Marthoma Bhavan, which suffered a brutal assault under the cover of darkness on September 4. The attack, described by ashram authorities as a calculated and premeditated act of encroachment, has left the clergy and nuns in distress and raised serious questions about the efficacy of law enforcement in safeguarding legal and human rights.
Fr. George Parak, Superior of Marthoma Bhavan, voiced deep concern over the continuing inaction of police and government officials. “Weeks have passed since this organized attack, yet no decisive action has been taken against the culprits. This failure not only undermines the authority of the law but also shakes public confidence in the justice system,” he said. Ashram authorities also highlighted that the slow progress in addressing the matter has heightened their anxiety, given the ongoing threats and disruption to daily life.
According to reports, a group of around 70 individuals executed the attack between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., deliberately targeting the ashram under the cloak of darkness. The intruders destroyed a seven-foot-high, 100-meter-long wall, inscribed with the Word of God, broke the main gate, severed water supply pipes, and dismantled CCTV cameras. The assault was meticulously timed to exploit court holidays in the days following, revealing the attackers’ intent to evade legal scrutiny.
The assailants also transported and erected prefabricated structures equipped with sophisticated CCTV cameras to monitor anyone approaching the ashram. Visitors, including those coming to meet the priests, were immediately confronted by the encroachers, demonstrating a chilling level of planning and coordination. Notably, many of these attackers had previously attempted a similar encroachment in 2022, when they tried to forcibly enter the premises during the day. That attempt was halted by police intervention, but the new attack under the cover of night succeeded in causing significant destruction.
The land at the center of the dispute has been recognized as the rightful property of Marthoma Bhavan for decades. Originally handed over to the ashram authorities in 1982, the land was later falsely claimed by the heirs of the first owner, who allegedly sold it to a third party in 2010 using fraudulent documents. The Ernakulam Sub-Court, however, upheld Marthoma Bhavan’s legal ownership in a 2007 decree and issued a prohibitory injunction preventing any unauthorized entry or occupation.
Despite this clear legal standing, the attackers blatantly violated the court’s order. They not only destroyed physical property but also obstructed access to the convent, where nearly ten nuns reside, directly infringing upon their freedom of movement. Ashram authorities have described these acts as an egregious violation of human rights, emphasizing that religious sanctity and legal protections are being disregarded with impunity.
Following the initial assault, the encroachers continued to assert control over the property. They erected signboards announcing new construction, unloaded building materials, and began modifying the ashram premises. Despite the presence of police officers stationed for security, authorities failed to prevent or halt the ongoing illegal activities.
Public protests intensified as word of the attack spread, drawing attention to the perceived inaction of law enforcement. While police eventually arrested four individuals connected to the incident, they were released on bail within hours. Critics have suggested that these arrests were a symbolic gesture rather than a genuine attempt to enforce justice.
For the residents of Marthoma Bhavan the priests, nuns, and students the past 24 days have been fraught with uncertainty and fear. The attack has not only caused physical damage but also disrupted spiritual and daily life. The community continues to plead for decisive government action to evict the trespassers, enforce court orders, and prosecute those responsible for orchestrating the attack.
Fr. George Parak reiterated the urgency of the matter, calling for immediate intervention to restore law and order. “This is not merely a land dispute. It is a test of the state’s commitment to justice, human rights, and the protection of religious institutions. The authorities must act swiftly before more damage is done,” he said.
The Marthoma Bhavan attack highlights a troubling pattern where legal orders are ignored, and religious institutions are left vulnerable to organized encroachment. The incident serves as a stark reminder that justice delayed can often be justice denied, eroding public trust in both governmental and judicial systems.
As the community waits for meaningful intervention, the call for accountability grows louder. The coming days will test the resolve of the authorities to uphold the law and protect citizens and religious institutions from deliberate acts of violence and intimidation.