Chennai/Pathanamthitta : Syro-Malankara Catholica Sabha Bishop and four other clergymen were arrested in connection with illegal sand mining in Tamil Nadu. Priests the police took into custody are : Head of Syro Malankara Diocese in Pathanamthitta - Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios , Vicar General Shaji Thomas Manikulam, and priests George Samuel, Jijo James and George Kavilyal.
The Church owns 300-acre land near Ambasamudram in Thirunelveli’s Kallidaikurichi Pottal which it leased to one George Manuel for farming. A crusher and sand unit was found operative on this land. Further findings indicated large scale mining of sand from banks of Thamarabharani river nearby. A total of 27,774 cubic meter sand was found hauled up illegally. Massive pits were dug to mine sands along the river bed.
Initially, locals approached authorities complaining of mining activity, following which, the Collector visited the site and found proof of widescale exploitation. He clamped a fine of Rs 9.57 crores on the land owner. However, the investigation made no progress from that point. Then, the locals together with environmentalists approached Madras High Court and based on the complaint, the Madhurai Bench ordered Crime Branch to investigate.
As part of the probe, the Crime Branch summoned the Bishop and other accused on Monday and arrested them during the course of interrogations. They were subsequently remanded into judicial custody and were sent to Thankneri Subjail. Following the arrest, the Bishop and Vicar General complained of chest pains and have been shifted to the hospital.
Malankara Catholica Sabha responded to the development saying it was in no way involved in mining activity. The arrest has come solely by virtue of being owners to the land, it said in a statement.
