Mangalore: Insult to religion on FB: Christian leaders meet police commissioner


Mangalore: Insult to religion on FB: Christian leaders meet police commissioner

Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Mar 19: In a fresh case of misuse of social networking sites, a morphed photograph of Mother Mary with Infant Jesus has created a stir on Facebook.

The photo was morphed to depict AICC president Sonia Gandhi as Mother Mary and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal as Infant Jesus.

On Wednesday March 19, members of ICYM and IFKCA handed over a memorandum to police commissioner R Hitendra, urging him to take strict action against the person who edited and uploaded the picture.

Konkani Prachar Sanchalan president Stany Alvares, IFKCA team led by its president Roy Castelino, and ICYM president Sheldon Crasta personally met the police commissioner and handed over the memorandum.

ICYM Director Fr Ronald D’Souza, Alwyn Colaco, Lawrence D’Souza, Rayan Rodrigues, Deryll D’Souza, Sandeep Monteiro and others were present.

Hours after the picture went viral on Facebook on Monday March 17, the Congress Udupi district president called the police and informed them of the matter over the phone. By evening of Monday, the picture was deleted from the account of the person who had uploaded it. However, no written complaint was filed.

When contacted, Udupi SP Dr Boralingaiah said that police will take action if a written complaint is filed. Persons who try to provoke communal tension during election time would be booked under Goonda Act, he added.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Well Wisher, Neeruda/Mumbai/Kuwait

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Why are they after Christian ??? Christian does not trouble anyone, but only pray for them. May GOD bless them.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • taurojohn, mangalore/malad

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Hope PC R Hitendra will sense the gravity of this issue & will take the swift action and trap the culprits who try to ignite the communal problems.Some stupid people only have stupid ideas how to crate the problems.may God bring them to the right path through the Commissioner.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Roland,

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    Mr. Roy is this publicity? if you are so concerned about the religion, please watch on YouTube the comedy by jerry rasquinha (acting as alcoholic) and another guy (dressed as a priest) at the Lancy nite in bendore grounds.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter Pereira, Mangalore / Dubai

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    While Freedom of Speech is important, in my opinion, it should not go beyond a point, whereby it hurts one's religion. Imagine tomorrow somebody puts up deplorable posters concerning you or your immediate family around the area of your residence or work. Will you take it lightly, saying it is "Freedom of Speech". Will you not squirm and do your best to have it undone. I think sometimes, people take the freedom given to them too far, as long as it does not harm / hurt them, their immediate family or their nearby surroundings

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nancy, Belman

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    Well Said Peter Pereira, Mangalore / Dubai.

    Even I had asked the same question to Bandhu Mam, but daiji not published my comment.
    Bandhuji...."Imagine tomorrow somebody puts up deplorable posters concerning you or your immediate family around the area of your residence or work. Will you take it lightly"

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    Nancy Mai....
    Now that you have equated me with the Infant Jesus and Mother Mary...Why would some petty deplorable posters about me, my immediate family (!) bother me? I know in my Kingdom not all can be pious,forthright.... Some question my very existence, some get angry at the of a hat, some are jealous and so on.....but all are 'My Children'...and in due course each shall know his path and learn. Learn everybody shall.....

    DisAgree [11] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • C.E.SALDANHA, SHIVBAGH

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    THIS HAS CROSSED ALL THE LIMITS OF INSANITY.

    WE DO HAVE A PROBLEM IN OUR SOCIETY.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachidanand Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    People don’t even spare God too nowadays. Sonia Gandhi as Mother Mary and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal as Infant Jesus??? Both of them not even close to GOD with strict follower neither of their religion nor in their action too. But I am surprised to see, when any religious sentiments hurts like this, only a few people bothered to come forward, whereas even for damage to the banner of their Political Leaders makes big news everywhere

    DisAgree [9] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincy, Bangkok

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    This is how civilized citizens go the police and submit and detailed complaint. Whereas what we see every now and then people protest in front of government offices and police stations.
    People are so uncivilized that they do not even allow the police to take action even after a FIR.
    Le the police do the job and they do the job only people support it.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    Frustrations...

    DisAgree [12] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sbanary, Saudi / Mangalore

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    This kind of act should be strictly prohibited by all communities, do not support those elements who destroy the peace of a nation. even in movies they play Hindu slopes as playback songs. This thing should be banned too.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Blenson Paul, Belthangady/ Germany

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    I totally Agree with you,
    One message to Indians(me included), Don't waste your precious time on these things, and get a life. why cant you just ignore and smile.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • vijay m, mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Nonsense act. Udupi police must take it seriously and must teach the lesson the lesson who disturb the peace in society.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • sdza, Mlore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    This or any other religious issues are simply blown out of proportions. There are hundreds of pictures similar floating on internet. I am not passing on a statement simply because its concerning to Christianity, i would feel the same when it came to other religions too.
    I don't understand why the maker of the picture or the people revolting give so much importance to religion and fight!! Its really silly! people simply complicate lives!

    DisAgree [26] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stevan Tauro, Belvai/Kuwait

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    strict action should be taken against the person.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • genevieve fernandes, udupi

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Facebook should be banned

    DisAgree [17] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • tony francis, Udupi

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    This is a serious issue, but in the pictures above, only the "lay-men" can be seen. Where are our great religious leaders, who speak big talks, hiding?!

    DisAgree [17] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Homer, Bharat

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    This is highly objectionable.If anyone knows teh person who uploaded it....Please publish his name and all people..please once identified keep posting on his facebook wall on how wrong he is

    DisAgree [9] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • A.M Shaikh, Dubai, Belapu, Kaup

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    That's not enough, dear Homer, hang him.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prem Patrao, Olathe, Kansas

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Those who are offended by this should take a chill pill. I find what they've done with the picture of mother Mary OFFENSIVE, BUT I DEFEND THEIR RIGHT TO DO SO. All this boils down to freedom of speech.

    Constitution guarantees freedom of speech. That means you can say or write anything without repercussions. And that includes saying things that are offensive to others feelings. Freedom of speech is absolute - it's not "freedom of speech as long as it doesn’t offend someone". Once you start restricting speech then we start going down a slippery slope. Tomorrow someone may complain that you saying a prayer to mother Mary might be offensive to their feelings. Where does this stop? This feeling of feeling offensive is subjective – what offends one doesn’t offend someone else. Some years ago, actress Kushboo was sued for talking about pre-marital sex. All she was doing was to express her opinion. Are we not allowed to have opinions anymore? In fact, showing fake outrage has turned into a big industry.

    If someone says something offensive to you, you can retaliate by saying things that are offensive to them – constitution does allow you to do that. Or you have the option of not listening to or reading what you deem offensive. Nobody is forcing you to read or listen to it.

    Take a deep breath. Life is too short to waste time on getting outraged by what others say. Mother Mary is not offended by someone morphing her picture. She is above and beyond that. You should be too.

    DisAgree [37] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramesh S, mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    100% agree & true..for FB,YouTube ignoring is the best solution..its very difficult to control these posts..Its totally different from physical assault, throwing stone etc,..better wish the culprits 'Get well soon'..

    DisAgree [13] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deborah Dalmeida, Mangalore/ Antigua

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Well said!

    DisAgree [14] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stany D'Souza, USA

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    Prem, your interpretation of freedom of speech is as absolute is totally wrong. If anyone offends any person in public is a slander and in the same way, if anyone instigates religious hatred is disturbing peace of the society. This is NOT freedom of speech.

    Having an opinion on pre-marital sex is an entirely different issue. It is an opinion given on social norms in general and is not specifically directed towards a community or any specific entity.

    So, this type of behavior is not only outrageous, that person shall be prosecuted under disturbing public peace.

    Let us not be under the impression that freedom of speech is absolute. The only absolute thing is right to protect once life.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    Hi Prem,
    Freedom of speech should not be allowed to be absolute as it has the potential to lead to a ‘super chaos’ as a result of law and order disturbances in India. In a multi religion, multi caste, multi lingual, multi cultural, largely illiterate/semi-literate and hugely populated country like India absolute freedom of speech/expression can be perilous and may even be deadly.
    One has to take into consideration practical realities before providing liberties and liberties must come with responsibilities and if liberties are misused the government must ensure that there is a price to be paid.
    Consideration must be given to the society in which we live. Indian society and culture is very diverse. Culture changes can be observed from cosmopolitan cities to towns to the rural areas. Cultural diversity can also be seen in the various religions and castes that exist in this country. Moreover, compared to many western nations culturally the Indian population as a ‘whole’ are not socially or culturally mature enough when it comes to exhibiting tolerance for ‘other’ thoughts and expressions that are contrary to their own or to put it in a more diplomatic way the definition of cultural maturity in India differs from the definition of cultural maturity in many of the so called ‘culturally developed’ western nations.
    However, as expressed by you where does one draw the line ? How do we ensure that we don’t slide down the slippery slope ? That is the toughest job for the nation’s intellectuals together with the lawmakers to deliberate on and decide while constantly updating the law to suit the changing times and leaving just enough flexibility in it to prevent its misuse.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • eric martis, mangalore

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    prem, for your kind notice, ones freedom ends where others freedom begins, one cannot enjoy freedom without responsibilities, hurting others sentiments also prevent enjoying freedom. so it will be always good not to be too much which is too bad. so even freedom enjoy responsibly.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eric Coelho, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Whoever has done this is mentally sick and needs immediate medical treatment. Where are we heading to in India. Our politics since 1947 has been abusing each other's religion and personal life, whereas we don't write, talk and say "what the people of this country need, want and expect".

    DisAgree [6] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Johnel D'souza, Cascia, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Surely it is the work of a sick mind.While we forgive the person for his mischief, he should be dealt with as per law and press should give due publicity to the punishment given to him lest others with a bent mind will not venture to do such mischief again.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Katapadi/Bangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    This is really highly objectionable and whoever has done this is accountable and this is a gross insult to the religion.Hope the commissioner will initiate the needful action..Thanq.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • William, Bantwal

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Always pray for them with Mother Mary. Either he/she will get well soon or else go to another world. Let them accept their fault and ask pardon/apology soon.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stany, Udupi

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    A few years back Jesus photo with cigarette and beer can was printed on school textbooks. That was which act and what action was taken?

    DisAgree [12] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    To promote the ideology and motive of their goal, those can play any foul games hooked or crooked to grab power.

    AN APOLOGY PUBLICLY BY SHOWING OF THE DESIGNERS AND UPLOADERS PHOTO AND NAME WILL BE FORGIVABLE AND SHOULD CONFESS NO SUCH BLASPHEMIES IN THE FUTURE.

    DisAgree [24] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • sunnylara, bangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Don't make big issue, please

    DisAgree [107] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Viva, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    The mentally sick, dirty criminals who disturb communal harmony by insulting religions and hurting people's sentiments should be arrested and put behind bars.
    Nobody has a right to defame any religion in any manner.Such people should be given stringent punishment.Everybody should condemn such dirty game.Those sick criminals want to disturb ihe peace in DK/Udupi districts.Police officers should arrest the culprits immediately.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse

  • babu, mangalore- barke

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Put him in the mental hospital for 25 years and balance days in the jail.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

  • flavian dsouza, chik/banaglore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY ARE DOING !!!LETS IGNORE THE SAME

    DisAgree [92] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    @Flavian,Bangalore,we can forgive, but Forget or let it go,cannot.And we have to Show that everything is not allowed in Forum.Just think, some time back there was some book burning or something like that and what a Furor went on everywhere.Important is everyone should respect and tolerate other Religion just like yours.otherwise cannot live in peace.sometime some People wait only for a small sparkle.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Flavian, forgiveness happens only at the personal level, however, the law of the land has to take its course. The law of the land does not have provision to forgive only religious law has. Otherwise, there would be no deterrent to commit crime. A crime is a crime and people must pay for their crimes because they have done something wrong.Moreover, there would be no law and order if there was no punishment and the person might repeat the crime and others also will be encouraged to commit crime if they know they will be 'FORGIVEN'.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Invoke Goonda Act and send him to Bellary Jail.Group or individual has a specific mission and should not be taken lightly.Making such morphed pic of religious figure in fact, making insult to particular community which need to be dealt with IRON HAND by POLICE department

    DisAgree [20] Agree [101] Reply Report Abuse

  • India First, India

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    One who cannot respect other religion is worth 'Zero' for his own religion!! The value of many such Zeros together will always be a zero...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [79] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramesh S, mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    ..Can we totally ban FB,YouTube,WATSAPP etc like Pakistan..when there is no restriction, no control by the company on uploading of these kind of materials, it will continue..trouble persists..Porn, defamatory,blasphemy articles/pictures/videos on all religion are plenty in FB/YOUTUBE/WATSAPP in the name of freedom of expression blah blah..individual speech derogatorily in live TV..better to ignore than street fighting/complaint since it is not going to shake the true believer's faith..that is only the solution..

    DisAgree [22] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    There is an important validity to that suggestion. Many modern scientific inventions, if properly used can be very effective in communications, but now the Facebook-cell phone, etc. have turned as the devil's tool to create problems-fights and death to other people. For many pervert-minded people, it is a hobby for them to cause trouble in the society the demon-possessed people.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan Braganza, Mumbai

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    The abuse of any religion or Morphing is cheap and common business online now a days. Not to get very serious with such issues.

    DisAgree [38] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • N.M, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Such a 'communal' act should be condemned and perpetrators should be jailed immediately.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

  • Allan DSouza, Paladka/Kuwait

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Strict action should be taken against the person who uploaded this picture to FB. Using their Photoshop skills to insult religious faith is totally unacceptable.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roopa, M LORE

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Oh Dear CP kindly take action against them as soon as possible, don't entertain like the creation, future it will create communal war

    DisAgree [7] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abhishek Padival , Sullia/Bangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Those people who are terribly afraid of AAP & Kejriwal, have done this Mischief. They deserve harsh punishment as this is a very sensitive election period.
    Since AAP is deeply cutting into the Votes of some parties they are indulging in such mischief to create a bad opinion about Kejriwal in the minds of young voters who are leaning towards Honest & upright Kejriwal & AAP.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [64] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashok, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014



    Punish them rigorously. It should be lesson who provoke & insults other religions.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [69] Reply Report Abuse

  • John D'Souza, Udupi

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    A dirty communally sick person. That one man can spoil peace & harmony of lakhs of people. Punish him rigorously. Religions must be respected and not to be insulted. Parents must guide their children in becoming a good citizen.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [71] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Just because one Morphs-does one become?
    AK for example -Can he ever be IJ?
    This 'Muffler Don' cum 'Road Roller' with gas trouble?...
    Silly things should not be blown out of proportion....
    If each and everything is taken to the PC like this then 'Govindaa'!
    See how lightly 'Govinda' is used?
    Does anybody know how holy the name is for Hindus??
    Therefore, those who know-know! The ignorant will always remain that way!

    DisAgree [183] Agree [73] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Bangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    I do not know how many will understood the true inner meaning in the comment, but,Bhandarkarmam,I appreciate you for your way of telling.Its just like a capsule!

    DisAgree [112] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    PrabhuMaam...
    Exactly! The need of the hour is knowing. Does the sanctity of the Infant Jesus, Mother Mary lose sheen if anyone tries to do anything?
    How loosely is the word 'Govinda' used tell me?? That too by everybody? Isn't it a holy name?
    Therefore, it's only the ignorant
    who do all these gimmicks...And confronting the ignorant never ever helps...it adds to the nuisance value....

    DisAgree [97] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashish, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    so mr.bhandarkar,has anyone put sm politician's picture to Govinda's photo?? the situation is completely different from how ur are interpreting it,so don't add to it.. thnx!

    DisAgree [24] Agree [108] Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Bangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    I am surprised at the amount of 'disagrees' to my comment.I have just posted my view about keeping in mind the devinty of Mother Mary and Infant Jesus.Whatever appeared in FB is the handiwork of some unimportant elements and the so called enlightened people have approched Police to,lodge a complaint and some where accused the religious leaders not interferring in the matter.I appriciate those religious not reacted to the issue which is so unimportant.I request the concerned not to flare up this unimportant issue and ignore it as it deserves.Nobody on this earth can defame Mother Mary or Infant Jesus from the hearts of believers and one can not even think of it.This is my firm view.Issue found in FB may happen to gods of other religions too which is not controlable.Best way to deal with these type of mischieves is JUST IGNORE THEM.
    My suggestion to all those who felt bad about the episode:Just go the pages of DW dated 22.12.2012 and read the poetry written/published therein by Sri R.Bhandarkar titled "I love Jesus"
    I definitely hope you will be melted.......mind will be refreshed.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajay, Mangalore

    Thu, Mar 20 2014

    People just disagreed with the comment. Disagree is not dislike.
    I agree wholeheartedly with Mr Bhandarkar. One should not accord publicity and importance to tricks like this. Best is the ignore them.

    People should be mature when dealing with pranksters of this kind. This is cheap and silly. Freedom of speech in India is a very vague thing. People tend to overreact to anything religious in India.And that is true of all religions. On the flip side, sadly this does create an impact for many who are very impressionable.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [5] Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    As per Udupi SP, those who indulge in provoking communal tension would be booked under GOONDA ACT!!!Yes,we want DK police to take the same stance clip the wings of hate mongers.THOSE WHO HAVE NO RESPECT TO OTHER RELIGION & CULTURE IN FACT
    has no respect to his or their own religion...Therefore, unfit to live in the civilized society.

    DisAgree [23] Agree [158] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Wed, Mar 19 2014

    Really condemnable..

    DisAgree [14] Agree [156] Reply Report Abuse


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