Kotayam: Pala Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt on Monday was booked on charges of attempting promote enmity between different groups on the basis of religion. The Kuravilangad Police registered the in connection with his controversial ‘narcotic jihad’ remark made at a church here in September.
Following the controversial speech, Abdul Asees Moulavi, district president of the All India Imams Council filed a complaint with the Kuravilangad police station. But the police didn’t take any action over the complaint. Later, the All India Imams Council approached the court.
Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangat, while speaking at Marth Mariam Pilgrim Church at Kuruvilangad in Kottayam district on September 9, alleged that non-Muslims in Kerala were subjected to “narcotic jihad,” which is spoiling lives, particularly of young people, by making them addicted to drugs.
After his speech became viral, several groups came out against the Bishop, especially Muslim organisations, and some extreme organisations carried out a protest march towards his house. The Congress put pressure on the Pinarayi Vijayan government to call for an all-party meeting, but the demand was ignored.
A spokesman of the bishop’s diocese said it will deal with it legally once it receives a notice.