A Muslim body in Kerala has filed a case against a Catholic bishop for allegedly promoting disharmony, enmity and hatred between two religious communities in the southern Indian state.
The police in Kuravilangad town in Kottayam district November 1 registered the case against Bp Joseph Kallarangatt of Palai for his controversial remarks on “narcotic jihad” almost two months ago.
The Police said the case was registered following a complaint from the All India Imams Council. “The case follows a direction in this regard by the Pala [Palai] magistrate court,” said Shilpa Dyavaiah, district police chief in Kottayam. Palai is a major town in Kottayam district.
Abdul Asees Moulavi, district president of the Muslim council, alleged that the police had initially refused to register a case against the bishop, even after making formal complaints at the Kuravilangad station and to the district police chief.
So, he approached the Palai magistrate court that in turn ordered the police to register a First Information Report against the prelate and probe the alleged charges against him.