THRISSUR: A case has been registered against 120 people in connection with a clash that broke out between the Orthodox and Jacobite factions of the Malankara Church at St Mary’s Church, Mannamangalam in Thrissur. Yuhanon Mar Meletios, the bishop of Thrissur has been named the first accused. Many priests have been included in the case and are charged with murder and riot attempts.

Several are yet to be arrested. The police are waiting for them to come outside as they cannot enter the church and arrest them. Those injured in the violence are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

The clash broke out when the Orthodox faction entered the church after breaking open the gate at midnight. Both the factions pelted stones at each other. Police emptied the venue of strike. Many including Bishop of Thrissur Yuhanon Mar Meletios has been injured in the violence. The police had to use force to remove the protestors from the spot.

The Orthodox faction staged a sit-in strike outside the church requesting to permit them to offer prayers at the church. They protested pointing the court verdict in favour of them. However, the Jacobite faction were inside the church and did not permit the Orthodox faction to enter the church.