The Chemmangad police on Sunday (March 8, 2026) arrested an Odisha native in connection with setting fire to a study centre on the premises of St. Patrick’s Church near Kozhikode railway station.

The accused has been identified as Jayanth Naik. The incident occurred around 4.45 a.m. on Saturday (March 7, 2026). The structure was partially gutted. A car belonging to the parish priest, which was parked near the building, was also damaged. The loss is estimated at around ₹8 lakh.

The police said the accused was identified from CCTV footage. He was taken into custody from a food distribution centre at Chalappuram. The accused was taken for further interrogation after undergoing a medical examination.