Eight held in Munnar over cross-climbing at Pallivasal; church flags safety risk
Munnar police arrested four Kozhikode youths for climbing a hilltop cross at Pallivasal and four Idukki residents for sharing photos of the act.
The Munnar police have registered two cases and arrested eight people in connection with the climbing of a cross at Pallivasal, near Munnar, following a complaint from the local church.
The first case concerns four youths from Kozhikode — Muhammed Ashmil V.M., Muhammed Nihal M.K., Muhammed Irfan V.A. and Muhammed Muktyar — who, police said, scaled the cross during a visit to the Pallivasal hills on September 19 to see the Neelakurinji bloom. Photographs of the act were later posted on social media.
A second case was registered on a separate complaint after investigators found that four local youths from Idukki had photographed the climb and shared the images online. Those arrested include Abhimanyu, Edwin and Navajith, all residents of Mele Chinnar in Idukki, along with a juvenile. Police said Abhimanyu did not visit the hill and was held only for posting the pictures.
Munnar Circle Inspector Binod Kumar J. said it was initially believed that the Idukki youths had also climbed the cross, but a detailed probe showed they had only circulated the photographs. The cross, erected by St. Anne's Church under the Vijayapuram diocese, stands about 20 feet tall at the hilltop.
"If anyone falls from the cross, it could lead to a major tragedy," Mr. Kumar said.
The church vicar, Fr. Vijosh Mulloor, said the institution's main worry was the danger of a fatal accident, apart from the desecration of the cross. "We do not know the intention behind such acts. The church has requested police surveillance in the area to prevent such dangerous stunts," he said.
Officials said the clear view of the surrounding hills from the top of the cross likely drew the youths to climb it.