The recent heinous killing of Xavier Kumar, a mechanic employed at a government bus depot in Kanyakumari, highlights a significant deterioration in the law and order situation within the state. The savage killing, which occurred in Eraniel, Kanyakumari, within the office of a church father, is purportedly linked to Xavier’s inquiry into the financial records of the church, making it the main motive behind this horrific incident.
Police are searching for 12 individuals, including two Roman Catholic priests, in connection with the murder of Xavier Kumar, a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) functionary and Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation mechanic.
Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) condemned the horrific incident as Xavier was affiliated with the party. Supporters of NTK took to various social media platforms to denounce the murder, asserting that the individual responsible for the act was allegedly, Ramesh Babu a DMK functionary. They also shared a disturbing and abusive recording of a conversation between Xavier Kumar and Ramesh Babu.
NTK Kanyakumari cadre has been killed by DMK person and close aide of minister Mano Thangaraj , we condemn this brutal act by the DMK goons and urge the police to arrest everyone involved in killing of
Xavier Kumar. pic.twitter.com/HdYILkM83s— Apruvan| Tamil Nationalist | (@apruvannew) January 20, 2024
YouTuber Maridhas put out a video about the incident. Having acquired the First Information Report (FIR), Maridhas alleged that Seeman was deviating from the root cause and politicizing the issue. He said, “Seeman is openly diverting the issue into a different angle, that is NTK versus DMK“, and that the NTK protest was heading in the wrong direction.
Maridhas accused Ramesh Babu, a DMK functionary from Thakkalai town, and Fr. Robinson, the priest of the Mylode Roman Catholic church, are the key figures responsible for the murder. A total of 13 individuals have been formally charged in connection with the homicide. He contended that Ramesh Babu subjected Xavier to a severe assault on the face using an iron box, leading to Xavier’s death with severe facial disfigurement. Xavier was allegedly restrained by four other individuals who, in addition to holding him, kicked him from behind, collectively beating him to death. Another pastor stood guard at the door to prevent anyone from entering.
Backed by the FIR copy, Maridhas alleged that the NTK was politicising the matter by concealing the crucial detail that Xavier questioned the church about its finances. Additionally, he established a link with Vincent, a murder accused and the leader of Anbiyam, an organization that had actively supported protests against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Vincent is said to have invited Xavier Kumar to discuss and reach a resolution on the matter.
Additionally, Maridhas also provided data indicating that the main driver for the development of Catholic churches is the mandatory donation known as “Dasamabagam” (offerings). He asserted that where there is a significant collection of funds, irregularities tend to occur, particularly in the collection of donations in educational institutions and various other areas under church administration.
Moreover, he claimed that there was a portion of these funds allocated to political parties, specifically benefiting the DMK.
He argued that the church imposed stringent constraints on the community through canon laws, making it challenging to avoid them, especially since essential life events like marriage and death require the church’s involvement. However, these requirements also bring individuals under the control of the church. Some of these restrictions include mandatory attendance at church on Sundays, regular confession without the option to hide or refuse, and the process of ordination, etc. He goes on to assert that the influence of canon law is so extensive that individuals could potentially commit a crime, such as murder, and escape consequences, citing a case involving a Kerala priest who, despite allegations, only faced a transfer. The canon law, in his view, acts as a protective shield for the church.
The wife of the deceased, Jemini, alleged in her complaint that due to concerns raised about the church’s financial matters, the church planned to excommunicate them from the village.
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