The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has launched a suo moto probe into the incident in which 25 people from six families sought asylum in a parish church fearing attack from a group of alleged DYFI workers.
In an order, Antony Dominic, chairman of the SHRC has directed the District Police Chief, Kottayam, and the District Collector to probe the episode and submit reports. The incident pertained to the attack on a carol group including women and kids near Pathamuttom on December 23.
During the attack, the accused pelted stones at the carol group members while similar attempts were also made on the St.Pauls Anglican Church in Kumbadi, where the victims had been camping since the incident. Seven youths were arrested in connection with the case while five persons are yet to be arrested.
Even nine days after the incident, the victims remain stuck inside the church and have been unable to return to their homes allegedly owing to a social boycott imposed by a political outfit. Adding to their concerns on safety, all the seven accused under custody have been released on bail .
Though two police men have been posted on duty at the church, there have been reports about outsiders monitoring the movement of vehicles entering and leaving the church premises and even blocked the former Chief Minister’s vehicle during his visit to the location.
Meanwhile on Monday, a team of Kerala Congress leaders led by C.F. Thomas, MLA, and Joseph M. Puthussery also visited the victims camping inside the church.