Christian Divine Retreat Center in Kerala under police scanner

Asia's largest Christian divine center in Thrissur district, Kerala, the Muringoor Divine Retreat Center, has come under government scanner again, more than a year after the Kerala High Court ordered a probe into its affairs, following complaints and allegations ranging from mysterious disappearances and murders to violation of foreign exchange rules.

The problems began in March 2006 when the state high court ordered a police investigation after receiving anonymous complaints about the center.

The retreat center, which was set up in the late 80's, attracts thousands of people every week from all religions across the country.

The center, which conducts week–long in–house prayer sessions, has appointed several people as preachers. It has also opened branches throughout India.

The center, run by the Vincentian Congregation, runs homes for the destitute, drug addicts, AIDS patients and the mentally handicapped, and also hosts spiritual retreats.

In the latest development, the state police have registered a case, April 30, against some of the top officials of the center, including its director George Panakkal.

According to sources, the FIR listed many "irregularities and malpractices" at the divine retreat center at Muringoor in Thrissur district.

The Muringoor center falls under the Ernakulam Archdiocese of the Syro Malabar Church.