Christian priest, 6 others held for holding mass at Church in Kerala

A Christian priest and six others were arrested for celebrating Mass at Stella Maris Church at Willingdon Island, Kochi in Kerala amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Later, the priest and others were released on station bail.

Kochi (Kerala): A Christian priest was arrested on Wednesday for conducting Holy Mass at a Church in Willingdon Island, in alleged defiance of government orders banning religious gatherings during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.

Fr Augustine along with six others were arrested for celebrating Mass at Stella Maris Church this morning, police
said.

They have been charged under IPC section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and
relevant sections of the Kerala Epidemic Disease Ordinance, police said.

Later, the priest and others were released on station bail, they added.

(PTI REPORT)