Tensions erupted at the Bishop House of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese following the police removal of priests who were on a hunger strike. The incident occurred around 5.30 am on Saturday. Police removed 21 priests staging the hunger strike. The priests resisted, prompting the police to use force to carry out the operation.

Shortly after, a group of devotees arrived at the scene in support of the priests, further escalating tensions. The priests were relocated to the nearby St Mary’s Basilica. Police made it clear that protests would not be allowed at the Bishop House.

The protesters had a heated argument with Central ACP C Jayakumar, who had arrived for a mediation attempt. The hunger strike by the priests was in protest against actions taken against four priests over the issue of the unified Holy Mass.

Bishop Bosco Puthur, the Apostolic Administrator of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, had relieved vicars of St Martin De Porres Church in Palarivattom, Tripunithura St Mary's Forane Church, Kadavanthara Matha Nagar Church and Ernakulam St Mary's Cathedral of their pastoral and administrative duties for continued non-compliance with orders regarding the unified mass.