Mafia Centre Raid:HC slams Christian pressure group

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday severely criticised the politicisation of the police inspection at the Christian meditation camp, Divine Retreat Centre in Muringoor, Thrissur district. Responding to a petition filed by the Divine Retreat Centre head Fr George Panakkal, Justice KR Udayabhanu directed the Centre authorities to cooperate with the police investigation.

The court upheld that if somebody wanted to object against the High Court order, he should approach the apex court rather than politicising the issue. Fr George had demanded Rs 1 crore as compensation from the police department. Director General of Prosecutions, PG Thampi informed the court that several political leaders, including Union Cabinet Ministers had criticised the High Court in connection with the police raid conducted at the Divine Retreat Centre.

The UDF-led Opposition had staged a walkout in the State Assembly following the police inspection at Divine Retreat Centre. Opposition leader Oommen Chandy and former minister and Kerala Congress (M) leader KM Mani had alleged the police raid encroached human rights values. Later, State Congress president Ramesh Chennithala and Syro-Malabar Arch Bishop Mar Varkey Vithayathil visited the place.

Meanwhile, TP Nandakumar, chief editor of Crime magazine, has alleged the UDF was acting as per the wishes of Mani, who has some personal interest in the Divine Retreat Centre. Nandakumar told newsmen that he was ready to give proof regarding illegal activities at the centre.