Kerala: Violent act by carol singers creates an atmosphere of fear in the house

CHOTTANIKKARA: A Christmas carol gang, including children, beat up a householder who asked for a receipt for his donation and knocked out his teeth. The carol gang broke household appliances and the front door. The brutality took place in Chottanikkara on Tuesday night. The homeowner, CA Thankachan (59), lost four teeth. He also has a broken rib. He is being treated at the Ernakulam General Hospital. The Chottanikkara police have registered a case on Thankachan’s complaint.mar-baselios-cleemis’Attempts ongoing to taint relevance of Christmas’; Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis with criticism

A group of more than 20 people arrived at the house at 9 pm. After the singing and dancing, Thankachan gave them Rs. 100. When he asked for a receipt, the carol gang slapped him, saying that he had asked for a receipt last year also. Thankachan, his wife Lisi, and his 90-year-old mother Annamma rushed in and closed the door, but the carol gang pushed it open and attacked Thankachan again.The group fled when the neighbours arrived after hearing Thankachan’s screams as he ran out the back door. Seven of the attackers were later caught by the locals and handed over to the police. They were released after taking statements as they were minors. Meanwhile, the children testified that they were subjected to a mob trial.The carol organizer is a man from Manchakkad, four kilometers from Chottanikkara. Four groups have been participating in the carol for three days, providing food to the children. The man handles the money that is collected. There were also adults in the group.