The Syro-Malabar Christian Church’s demand that central agencies investigate the case of a Christian girl’s suicide, linked to love jihad, has become a major concern for the Kerala government. Fr. James, Secretary of the Church’s Public Affairs Commission, made the announcement, expressing solidarity with the girl’s mother and the Catholic Congress, both of whom have urged the central government to hand the case over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He emphasised that the Church has consistently treated such matters with utmost seriousness. Since the deceased belonged to the Jacobite Syrian Church, Fr. James said that a strong and clear response from that Church was also warranted.
Arguing that terrorism is an international issue, Fr. James stated that central agencies are better equipped than state agencies to conduct such investigations. He noted that suspicion of a terrorist link arises from the fact that the girl was taken to and beaten in Panayikulam, a place long infamous for terrorist training activities. He criticised the state government for failing to file charges under provisions such as forced conversion or invoke sections like IPC 366, and urged the immediate application of the correct legal provisions. He further stated that the Church would intensify awareness programmes on the dangers of love traps.
Church defends gratitude to BJP leaders, hits back at CPM’s criticism over Chhattisgarh nuns’ bail
There are also indications that the Church is distancing itself from the state government following a recent controversy over its public thanks to the central government for granting bail to nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, the Kothamangalam love jihad controversy has added to the tensions. Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplani’s comments on the Chhattisgarh case, which Fr. James claimed were sensationalised by the media, became the focus of political debate. He stressed that, like any citizen, the Archbishop had the right to express his opinion. The Archbishop had thanked all those who intervened in securing the nuns’ release, including BJP state president Rajiv Chandrasekhar and Vice president Shoun George, whose efforts with the central government proved effective. Fr. James explained that when such strong interventions take place, it is the Church’s duty to acknowledge and thank them. He rejected the idea that such gratitude should be politicised, calling the CPM’s remarks on the matter unfortunate. The Church, he said, urges the CPM to adopt a more secular and balanced approach in such situations.
Church slams state govt over withheld Koshy report, rejects Partisan tag and warns of love jihad threats
In parallel, the Church has raised the issue of the Koshy Commission report, accusing the state government of withholding it for two years. Fr. James pointed out that the government has not only refused to release the report but has also failed to address pressing concerns of the Christian community during this period. This signals that the Church may take a firm stance against the Left in the future. Responding to questions about BJP leaders visiting the Church headquarters with cakes, Fr. James said no visitor is ever turned away. Hospitality, he explained, is part of the Church’s tradition, and it cooperates with all political parties without being bound to any as a fixed vote bank. The Church’s engagements are based on goodwill rather than partisan alignment. He also addressed allegations regarding CASA, clarifying that it is not an official organisation of the Church. While CASA operates among Christians, it has never engaged in terrorist activities, and its membership includes people from various churches. He acknowledged that while the term “love jihad” is controversial, there are real threats involving terrorist support for love traps, deceptive relationships aimed at forced conversions, and drug-facilitated abuse.
BJP demands NIA probe into Kothamangalam love jihad case, cites terror links and government inaction
BJP Kottayam regional president N. Hari took a sharper tone, challenging those who deny the existence of love jihad in Kerala. He asked what further proof was required beyond the girl’s suicide note, which, he argued, clearly reflected the reality. He criticised Kerala’s political and media circles for their silence, calling it deeply troubling that no protests or candlelight vigils had been organised for the victim, a “poor girl” driven to take her own life in the name of love.
The girl’s mother has publicly stated that her daughter was subjected to severe torture in an attempt to forcibly convert her religion under the guise of love jihad. In a letter to the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, she demanded that the investigation be handed over to the NIA, alleging links to international terrorist organisations. According to her, the accused, Ramiz, detained her daughter at his residence in Panayikulam, Aluva, and subjected her to both physical and mental abuse, locking her in a room.
Although Ramiz has been arrested, N. Hari criticised the authorities for applying only weak charges. He highlighted Panayikulam’s history of being associated with religious conversion activities and anti-national operations, arguing that these factors made an NIA investigation essential. Such a probe, he said, would be necessary to expose possible international terrorist links to love jihad. Hari urged the state government to promptly recommend the case for NIA investigation without further delay.
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