Kottayam: The carollers, who took refuge in a small church at Pattamuthom near here following attack on them by local youths, have returned to their homes on Saturday evening.

In a meeting called by Kottayam district collector P K Sudheer Babu, it was decided that the crime branch would probe the incident, and police patrolling would be tightened to diffuse tense situation, if any, in the area. The 12-day protest against the incident was also called off.

The carol team, which consisted of women and children, of the St. Paul’s Anglican Church at Kombadi was attacked by local youths on December 23, and took refuge at the church. Since then they stayed put at the church fearing another attack on them, and returned to their homes on Saturday evening.

Though seven people were arrested in connection with the incident, they are out on bail and unleashing terror, alleged the church authorities. The victims and the Congress have alleged that the attack was perpetrated by local DYFI activities, but the CPM has rubbished the allegations.

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