Kerala: CPM Youth Leaders Vandalise Kottayam Church; Accused Of Attacking Carol Group, Molesting Women

Almost twenty-five people including women from Dalit families in Kerala’s Kottayam district had to take refuge in a church fearing the attack of men associated with DYFI, reports The Indian Express.

The families were reportedly part of a carol team of St Paul’s Anglican Church in Pathamuttam (Kottayam). A group of activists belonging to the DYFI had attacked the carol team on 23 December, and reportedly also molested women, claim the victims.

"The gang vandalised the church and left several people injured, and seven DYFI workers were arrested and later released on bail, " Robin Johnson, the church secretary, was quoted saying.

After the initial attack on the carol team, the group stayed at the church when the gang of DYFI regrouped and reached the church at night.

“They threw stones at women and children, leaving many of them injured. The gang vandalised the church, destroyed food prepared for the faithful and left only after the carol team raised the alarm by chiming the bell,’’ Johnson said.

K R Ajai, the district president of DYFI Kottayam has reportedly admitted that youths involved in the attack were active members of DYFI.