A tense confrontation broke out on Sunday between priests belonging to the Malankara Orthodox and Jacobite Syrian factions over the ownership of a church in Muvattupuzha, Kerala. The dispute escalated to the point where local law enforcement had to intervene to restore order. The incident took place at St. John's Bethlehem Church in Piramadom near Muvattupuzha.
Long-Standing Dispute Over Church Ownership
According to police officials, the church has been a focal point of a prolonged ownership dispute between the Malankara Orthodox and Jacobite Syrian communities. At present, the church is under the control of the Jacobite faction. Police stated that several priests from the Orthodox faction arrived at the church citing a ruling by the Muvattupuzha sub-court, which they claimed favored their stance in the property dispute.
Heated Arguments Escalate to Physical Shoving
However, members and priests of the Jacobite faction who were already inside the church strongly resisted the move, asserting that the local court had ruled in their favor instead. Authorities reported that an initial verbal altercation between the two rival groups quickly deteriorated into physical shoving and pushing. Upon receiving information about the escalating situation, a team from the Kerala Police rushed to the spot to calm the gathered crowds.
Police Lock the Church as Neither Side Relents
As neither faction was willing to back down from their stance, the police eventually locked the church to prevent further violence. Officials noted that the district administration has now stepped in to mediate the crisis and has invited representatives from both priest factions for formal discussions on Monday evening.
Injuries Reported and Previous Incidents
Police mentioned that both groups have accused each other of injuring their respective priests during the skirmish, and formal cases will be registered once complaints are officially filed. The rivalry between the Jacobite and Orthodox factions has persisted for many years, resulting in numerous court verdicts regarding church properties and management. Previously, a grim discovery was made in March of last year when human remains inside a suitcase were found near a cemetery within a church premises in Kollam, prompting a police investigation.
