THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The arrest of a Malayali priest and his family members in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has sparked a major political row. Following the incident, Kerala Leader of Opposition (LoP) V.D. Satheesan has officially reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister, seeking their immediate intervention to ensure justice and the safety of the detained individuals.
The Incident
The priest, identified as Father Sudhir (a member of the Nagpur Mission under the CSI South Kerala Diocese), his wife Jasmine, and a helper were taken into custody by the Nagpur police during a Christmas prayer meeting held at Shingodi.
According to reports, the police action followed allegations of “forced religious conversion” raised by local groups. The CSI South Kerala Diocese has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that the group was merely conducting a peaceful prayer session to celebrate the festive season.
V.D. Satheesan’s Intervention
Expressing grave concern over the incident, V.D. Satheesan stated that the arrest appears to be an act of harassment against religious minorities. In his letters addressed to the Prime Minister and the Maharashtra Chief Minister, the LoP highlighted that:
- Freedom of Religion: The arrests violate the fundamental right to practice and propagate one’s religion as guaranteed by the Constitution.
- Safety of Malayalis: There is a growing concern regarding the safety of Malayali missionaries and workers serving in other states.
- Diplomatic & Legal Support: He urged the Kerala government to coordinate with the Maharashtra government and provide necessary legal aid to the priest and his family.
Church Response
The CSI Church authorities have clarified that Father Sudhir has been serving the community in Nagpur for several years. They alleged that the police acted under pressure from fringe elements who disrupted the prayer meeting. The Church has called for a fair investigation, maintaining that no laws were violated during the gathering.
While the Nagpur police are currently investigating the complaints, the incident has triggered a wave of protests among the Malayali community and human rights activists, who view the move as a targeted attack on the clergy.
