KOTHAMANGALAM: Fr. Thomas Paul, a Ramban of orthodox faction, who had been at Kothamangalam Church since Thursday, was arrested and shifted to a nearby hospital as his health condition deteriorated. He had stayed in his car near the church despite protests from Jacobites after a court order allowed Orthodox faction to conduct prayers inside the church.

However, Fr. Thomas Paul said that his health was alright and police intervened unnecessarily. On Thursday, Ramban Thomas Paul reached Kothamangalam Cheriya Church with police protection. But he couldn't enter the church after Jacobites gathered in numbers and blocked his path. HC had come up with harsh criticism on police actions related to this case. In light of this, police came prepared to implement the court order.

The Jacobites, however, resisted the priest's entry and asked him to go back. Fr Paul stayed firm and the Jacobites launched a protest in front of the church. Even though police tried to arrest the protestors, they couldn't. Several people were injured as police tried to suppress protests. The police have also camped in the area as there is a large gathering of Jacobites. While talking to Keralakaumudi Flash, Muvattupuzha DySP said that the police tried for a peaceful solution.

Bishop Baselios Thomas I of Jacobite faction said that they won't let go off the church.