Stephan Kayyar 

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP) 

Kasargod, Sep 24: The Manjeshwar Our Lady of Mercy Church attack case has been handed over to crime branch for investigation. Even after a month, the district police were not able to nab the miscreants behind the attack. 

Rolphy D'Costa, president of Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Pradesh, in a press conference, had warned fast unto death protests in DC and SP office, if the suspects were not arrested on priority. Meanwhile, by-elections were announced in Manjeshwar constituency and the case was handed over to crime branch.

The church attack had taken place in the wee hours of August 19. One of the two suspects who arrived on the bike had entered the church premises and pelted stones at the church. DSP and senior police officials had promised to arrest the suspects soon.  

Kerala minister of revenue E Chandrashekaran, other political leaders and elected representatives had visited the spot, condemned the attack and exerted pressure to arrest the suspects. 

A special team was formed under the leadership of Bedadka station circle inspector Uttam Das to nab the suspects. Several people were questioned but none was arrested. Protests were held subsequently against the delay of arrests. 

As the case is transferred to crime branch, the proposed protests stand postponed temporarily. However, Catholic Sabha has warned that protests will be held in case of failure to arrest the culprits.