Tiruvalla: A few pastors and other Christians were arrested by Kerala police following Muslim protests over a book that was distributed during the funeral of Sam Jacob, the man who wrote the controversial book.

Pastors Babu George, Abraham Thomas, Prasad Jacob, Saji Jacob, Reji Jacob (the brothers of the deceased author), and Charlie Sam (the author's son) are now lodged in the Pathanamthitta Sub Jail.

The accused were granted bail by Magistrate's court. However, the bail was opposed by various Muslim protesters. Later, the bail was cancelled and the accused were sent to jail. Five of the accused are absconding. They tried to get anticipatory bail from the Keralal High Court. However the HC denied them bail saying that even hard core atheist would not dare to write a book such as this to offend religious sentiments of their enemies.

Leaders of various churches have declared that they have nothing to do with the controversial book. Thus, the pastors and other Christians in jail cannot expect any assistance from them.

The real culprit - the author of the book - has escaped the clutches of the law through death. It is said that he had given instructions to his son(s) that the book be released only after his death. Even those who did not have anything to do with the offense, even those who just came to attend the funeral, got arrested by the police. Now that the "law will take it's course", in its own sweet time, it will be quiet a while before justice is done.