Church Attacks: Bishop Urges Police Commissioner to Speed up Withdrawal of Cases
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Jul 22: A delegation led by Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza met city police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh at his office on Friday July 22 to urge speedy withdrawal of cases against Christians in connection with the 2008 church attacks.
The delegation comprised Fr Thomas D'Silva, Fr J B Crasta, Fr Onil D'Souza, Sushil Noronha, Sr Michelle, Sr Asunta, Ivan D'Souza among others.
Lamenting that the state government has still not withdrawn the cases against Christians as had been promised, the bishop said that the highest number of cases registered during the attacks had been in Mangalore city police limits. Already, police have prepared the final reports in 35 cases while 18 have been closed, he said.
But, from in the last 15 days, accused in 12 cases have been issued summons, he said, adding, "On Thursday July 21, 29 accused in those 12 cases appeared before the JMFC court. Moreover, another 28 have been summoned to appear in court on July 23. It is clear that even after assurances from chief minister Yeddyurappa, home minister R Ashok, V S Acharya, Dhananjay Kumar and Ganesh Karnik that all the cases would be withdrawn, nothing has been done yet. No decision has yet been taken in the cabinet meeting either in this regard."
Later, speaking to media persons, the bishop said that it has been four months now since the CM called a meeting of all bishops and assured that the cases would be withdrawn.
A visibly disapppointed bishop told mediapersons, "We came today again shamelessly like beggars. Our promises to the people will have no value if steps are not taken, and we will lose respect in their eyes. The issue has also caused problems to youth who aspire to go abroad for employment."
When asked about their future course of action, he said this was the last time the delegation was meeting the police commissioner. "Seemanth Kumar said that he has collected all data and will forward it to the DG's office. We trust him," the bishop said.