Kerala cop accused of 'disrupting' carol singing during Christmas celebrations at Thrissur Church

Thiruvananthapuram: Close on the heels of a row over Vishva Hindu Parishad activists obstructing Christmas celebrations at a school in Kerala, a police officer is accused of disrupting the Christmas eve celebrations at a church in Thrissur district.

Christmas eve celebrations at St. Thomas church at Palayur near Chavakkad on the suburbs of Thrissur was affected allegedly after the local sub-inspector Vijith prevented use of loud speakers for carol songs on the church premises citing that no permission was taken. The church authorities also alleged that the police official misbehaved with them.

In view of widespread criticism against the police official's action, the state police is inquiring into the incident. Though there were reports that the sub-inspector went on leave in view of the incident, police higher-ups denied it and said that the matter was being inquired into.

The incident took place just ahead of Syro-Malabar church major archbishop Mar Raphel Thattil visiting the church to take part in the carol. But owing to the police official's action the carol was affected.

The CPM local leadership have also sought action against the police official. There were also reports that even as union minister of state Suresh Gopi intervened in the matter, the sub-inspector did not concede.

The incident is a setback to the CPM which was trying to take political advantage from the VHP activists' threatening of Christmas celebration at a school in Palakkad.