A disturbing incident unfolded near the St Mary’s Forane Church in Kerala’s Kottayam, where a priest was struck by a vehicle after confronting a group of boys engaged in reckless driving within the church premises. The altercation, which occurred following the boys’ high-speed joyride, underscores the need for greater respect for sacred spaces and road safety norms. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident calls for justice and accountability reverberate.
The Incident Unfolds:
The events transpired on a Friday afternoon when a group of boys, having just completed their school exams, descended upon the St Mary’s Forane Church. Arriving in multiple vehicles, including motorcycles, the boys engaged in high-speed driving and disruptive behavior, causing a disturbance within the church grounds. Despite objections from one of the priests, who urged the boys to respect the sanctity of the place of worship, the reckless behaviour persisted.
Priest’s Intervention:
In response to the unruly behaviour, one of the priests intervened, urging the boys to leave as prayers were underway in the church. However, his pleas went unheeded, prompting him to take action to safeguard the tranquillity of the church environment. Attempting to close the gates to deter further disruption, the priest was met with resistance. In a harrowing turn of events, he was struck on the hand by one of the motorcycles before being hit from behind by a car, causing injury and shock to the community.
Consequences and Response:
Following the altercation, law enforcement authorities swiftly apprehended the boys involved, leading to their detention. Within the church community, outrage and dismay over the incident prompted protests, highlighting the severity of the situation. Additionally, the vehicles used in the reckless driving spree were impounded, signalling a firm response to such brazen disregard for public safety.
Medical Attention and Condition:
The injured priest was promptly transported to a private hospital for medical treatment, where he is currently receiving care. Fortunately, his condition is reported to be stable, offering a glimmer of hope amid the distressing turn of events. As the community rallies around the injured priest, support and solidarity serve as pillars of strength during this challenging time.
Calls for Justice:
Amidst widespread condemnation of the incident, prominent figures such as Kerala Congress(M) chairman Jose K Mani have demanded swift and decisive action against those responsible for the attack. Calls for justice echo throughout the community, emphasizing the need for accountability and deterrent measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion:
The altercation near the St Mary’s Forane Church serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding respect for sacred spaces and adhering to road safety regulations. As the injured priest undergoes treatment and the community grapples with the aftermath, the incident underscores the urgent need for dialogue, education, and enforcement to foster a culture of responsibility and civility on our roads and within our communities. Through collective action and unwavering advocacy for justice, we can strive towards a safer and more harmonious society.
-Prisha Jaiswal