The Erattupetta police in Kottayam have arrested 10 higher secondary school students, including two minors, in connection with an incident where the assistant vicar of St. Mary’s Forane Church in Poonjar was struck by a car while trying to stop a group of students from racing vehicles on the church’s premises.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when a group of students from the Government Higher Secondary School in Erattupetta entered the church campus in eight cars after completing their model exams and engaged in drag-racing on the church grounds.
The resulting noise disrupted church activities, prompting Fr. Attuchalil, the assistant vicar of the church, to request their departure. Despite his plea, the boys reportedly ignored him. While attempting to close the gate, he was struck by a speeding car. The priest was subsequently taken to a private hospital and is currently in stable condition.
