Presbyter of church injured in attack

A 55-year-old presbyter of a church at Hasthampatty near here was injured after he was allegedly assaulted by another group in the shrine during Sunday mass, police said here today.

A new committee was formed in the church and Akilan was appointed as presbyter recently following which rivalry erupted between the new group and the outed group, Police Inspector Saravanan said here today.

Five members of the old group entered the church during the Sunday mass yesterday and assaulted Akilan injuring him.

Akilan was admitted to hospital here along with member of rivaal group Stalin Dinakaraj, who also sustained injuries in the melee.
 

Cases under various sections of IPC were booked against members of both the group, Saravanan said.