Wooden cross found damaged at Bonacaud

Forest officials attribute it to lightning

A wooden cross that had been erected at Kurisumala in Bonacaud, near Vithura, was found damaged on Monday, sparking a wave of allegations regarding the cause of the occurrence.

The spot had come under the scanner some months ago after a cross and an altar were found damaged, leading to the faithful accusing the Forest Department of having a role in the incident.

Minister’s role

The issue was soon resolved at the intervention of Forest Minister K. Raju, who permitted erection of the wooden cross at the spot.

After being alerted of the damage to the cross, a team of forest officials inspected the spot and assessed that the wood could have been damaged in lightning.

‘Bomb attack’

However, allegations were rife that the cross could have been damaged purposefully using country-made bombs.

Ruling out such a possibility, Paruthippally range forest officer Divya S.S. Rose said no traces of explosives could be found in the vicinity. Moreover, people who resided within a radius of 2 km of the spot had not claimed to have heard any loud explosion, she claimed. Police officials are likely to conduct an inspection in the area on Tuesday.

Church’s allegation

Meanwhile, the Neyyattinkara Latin Diocese, taking a serious view of the incident, alleged that the incident could be the handiwork of certain sections who attempted to disturb communal amity in the region.

In a statement, Vicar General G. Christudas said while the church aspired to maintain peace on the issue, actions in contravention of age-old traditions and practices of devotees could not be ignored.