The Ernakulam Rural police on Sunday arrested 39 persons on charges of distributing pamphlets with the alleged intention of spreading communal disharmony.
The accused persons, under the banner of Wisdom Global Islamic Mission, visited residential areas in Vadakkekara in different groups and distributed the pamphlets containing remarks against polytheism and idol worship, and inviting people to join Islam.
A group of local people, however, sought to resist their attempt when the group reached a location near Moothakunnam, leading to a minor clash.
On an alert, a police team led by the circle inspector of Vadakkekara station reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
During examination, the police recovered pamphlets titled ‘Way to liberation’, from their possession, which noted that polytheism was a sin. The pamphlets invited people to join Islam, besides raising strong objections to terrorism and religious fundamentalism.
“The clash broke out after they had distributed the pamphlets where a religious offering was being performed. Locals came pouring into the location and the situation was gradually snowballing into a bigger crisis,” said a police source.
In addition, a case for assaulting members of the missionary group has been also registered.
Following the incident, both the Muslim Ekopana Samithi and the Bharatiya Janata Party staged protest marches in the region.
Denying the allegations raised against it, the Wisdom Global Islamic Mission said the pamphlets distributed by its volunteers contained the message of brotherhood.