At least two granite grave slabs have been stolen from church cemeteries in Mallappally, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, in what police are treating as a coordinated series of thefts that has unnerved local parishes and left investigators with almost no leads. The incidents, reported in the last week of July 2025, mark an unusual crime wave in a town better known for its quiet, devout communities.

How the Thefts Unfolded

The first complaint was lodged by a Mar Thoma Church congregation after members found that a granite slab covering a family grave had vanished from the church cemetery. The slab, measuring approximately six feet by three feet and valued at upwards of ₹10,000, was a heavy, conspicuous object — not something that could be removed without effort or planning.

Police registered a case and began looking for what is arguably one of Kerala's more unusual suspects: a grave-slab thief. Before investigators could make meaningful progress, a second incident surfaced. On Tuesday morning, members of another nearby Mar Thoma parish discovered that yet another granite slab had disappeared from their cemetery, confirming that the first theft was not an isolated act.

What Parishioners and Police Are Saying

'This is not a one-man job,' a parishioner said. 'You need at least four people to lift and carry a slab of that size.' That assessment has been noted by investigators, who now believe the thefts were carried out by a well-organised group operating under the cover of darkness — capable of moving hundreds of kilograms of polished granite without detection.

The investigation, however, is proving difficult. Neither of the affected cemeteries is equipped with CCTV cameras, leaving officers with limited physical evidence and few actionable leads, according to reports.

Community Response

News of the thefts has spread quickly through churches across Mallappally. Several parishes have already begun internal discussions on installing surveillance systems in their cemeteries to prevent further incidents. The apparent motive — presumably the resale value of polished granite — has added a grim, transactional dimension to what parishioners regard as a profound desecration of sacred ground.

What Comes Next

Police in Pathanamthitta are continuing their investigation and have not yet made any arrests. The possibility of a coordinated gang targeting granite from unmonitored cemeteries across the region has not been ruled out. With parishes now on alert and surveillance installations under discussion, Mallappally's cemeteries may soon look very different — a stark reminder that even spaces meant for the departed are not immune to crime.