KERALA

HC orders probe against cardinal over land deal

Alencherry with Modi Cardinal George Alencherry meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kochi | George Alencherry's Facebook page

In a major blow to the Syro-Malabar Church, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday ordered a police probe against its Cardinal, George Alencherry, in connection with a controversial land deal, believed to be worth nearly Rs 27 crore.

The HC dismissed pleas from the cardinal's lawyer that there was no need for a police probe as a magisterial probe was ongoing. Two priests and a real estate agent are also being investigated.

The case involves the sale of church property in Ernakulam district, which was valued at Rs 27 crore; critics claim the land was sold at less than half-price.

The state government was also heavily criticised by the HC for not having acted on complaints in the case on the grounds that it was a 'civil' matter. Alencherry is one of the four cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church in India.

(With agency inputs)