Kottayam: A priest was attacked during the Holy Mass at the Prasadagiri Church at Varikkamkunnu in Thalayolaparambu here. The attack was carried out allegedly by a group led by a dissident priest during the Holy Mass at the church in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese. Father John Thottupuram was injured in the attack.

The assailants scattered microphones and vestments. Several people were injured during the scuffle. Following the incident, the Thalayolaparambu Police locked down the church.

The conflict occurred in the church that has been in dispute over the unified Holy Mass. The confrontation took place while Father John Thottupuram, the priest in charge of the Prasadagiri Church, was offering the Holy Mass.