Police register case on LMS compound attack

Thiruvananthapuram: Museum police on Thursday registered a case against 16 identified and 150 unidentified persons for trespassing into LMS compound and attacking CSI church located in the premises.In the complaint given by Reverend SR Sibin, PRO of CSI Church South Kerala diocese, alleged that the attack was unleashed by a few members of the diocese, who deviated from the path of divinity and the norms of the diocese.The case was registered against PK Rosebist, Donald Lal, Victor Samuel, Arwin WS, Sanal Rajakumar, Rev Sujin Jacob, Rev S Nelson, Rev CP Justin Jose and others under sections of IPC 143 for unlawful assembly, 147 for rioting, 149 for being a part of an unlawful assembly, 447 for criminal trespass, 427 for mischief causing damage, 283 for danger or obstruction in public way and 294-b for abusing.The incident took place on Wednesday night as the accused allegedly trespassed into the church compound chanting slogans. The front gate of the church and other equipment worth Rs 80,000 were damaged during the conflict. It was also alleged that the protestors blocked the way to the ladies’ hostel inside the compound and it prevented women from entering the hostel. “The protestors belonged to the diocese, and they are a small group that always stand against the decisions of the synod. The decision to raise the retirement age of priests from 67 to 70 annoyed the group. They are against a decision, which was taken unanimously during a synod meeting with two-third majority,” said Sibin. Police said the investigation is on and the accused are absconding.