Retired Priest, Fr Peter J Bombacha, Murdered at Vasai


by Ancy DSouza Paladka
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (SP)

Mumbai, April 30: In a shocking incident,  a retired priest of Roman Catholic Church of Vasai diocese, Fr Peter J Bombacha (74), was found to have been brutally murdered on Thursday April 29 at his 'Nirashritashramata ashram’ at Babola Naka, Sandoor Road, Vasai. Interestingly, the place is located a few furlongs away from the Bishops house of Vasai.

Fr Bombacha, a simple priest with very poor and down to earth life style, and simple food habits, used to attract lot of people from this locality and outside. The people, irrespective of their caste and religious affiliations, used to come to him in large numbers to find solace and succour. According to the local people, he used to spend his whole day in penance, fasting and prayers.

As the priest also used to hold prayers for the sick, lots of sick people came to him to get relief from their ailments. He used to conduct masses regularly in the morning and prayers in the evening, which were attended by hundreds of people. He also used to dispense medicines for minor ailments on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. On last Saturday of each month, he used to organize a special healing session inspired by the Holy Spirit, for which people used to flock the ashram from all directions.

According to Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado, the Bishop of Vasai, Fr Peter, who was born in 1936, was a very faithful priest, whose motto was to serve the people to his fullest capacity. In serving the poor and the suffering people, he forgot even to fulfill his basic needs. He had served in various parishes in the undivided Bombay diocese. Some of them are Sandor, Mudh, Karodi and Dahisar. He was a well-accepted priest and had a great love for the poor, sick and the downtrodden.





















After retirement in the year 2000, Fr Bombacha built an ashram, a small structure of bamboos, in Babola Naka, Vasai (a place close to the Bishops House), and started serving the people from there. He had named the ashram, 'Nirashritashramata' (mother of forsaken who gives shelter) and used to conduct regular prayers. He also had started an Alcoholics Anonymous clinic at the ashram. More than helping the people to heal their physical and mental ailments through medicines and prayers, he used to encourage them to pray to 'Our Lady of Forsaken' to get healed from their sins and other ailments.

Some people are not prepared to buy the story that the murder was committed for gain by the robbers, as the retired priest was living a very poor life and the robbers surely would not have been able to find any valuables with him. Different stories are in circulation about the motive of murder, including the one about the priest’s ongoing tussle with a builder, who wanted to acquire land near his ashram, which the priest resisted. Some suspect that religious fanaticism would have been behind the murder. Hence, the actual motive behind this murder will come out only through proper investigation.

Fr Peter J Bombacha used to live in the ashram with his cooks. In the recent past, the work of construction of a new, two-storied structure began at this place. The construction work is still in progress. Fr Peter used to stay in the first floor and the chapel is located in the ground floor. A few days ago, he had sent his cooks to their native places for holidays. The murder came to light only on the morning of Thursday, when the people visited the ashram for the morning mass. Normally, as and when the people came to his place, he followed the practice of tossing the keys from his first floor residence, and the people used to open the chapel to prepare for the mass at 5.30 am. However as Fr Bambacha did not respond on the Thursday morning the visitors went away. But at around 6 am, a lady doctor residing in the area decided to check on him. She went up and found that his grilled door of the flat was still closed. At the same time, she could see the body lying on the floor. Then she alerted the locals and the police were informed.

When the police came and entered in, they saw the body lying on the floor with a pair of scissors sticking out from his mouth. A rope was found tightened around his neck and there were four-stab injuries on his body. The pastor was dressed in pajamas, which were pulled till his knees, while his undergarment was found in another room, the policemen said. A total of 13 wounds were found on his body. The body was found in the lobby leading to the bedroom.

The body was sent for post mortem in Navghar Primary Health Centre (PHC). Finger print experts visited the spot and collected samples. The police have registered a case of murder and are conducting inquiries in the matter. The investigations have begun under the leadership of a senior police inspector named Rajendra Naik of Vasai police station, and the deputy superintendent of police, Deepak Deoraj of Thane rural station, both of whom hope to nab the culprits within the next 48 hours.

After post-mortem, the body of the slain priest was brought to his ashram in the evening.
Then the body was taken in procession to his house in Koliwada under the jurisdiction of St Peters Church. Within a short span the news of murder spread in the entire Vasai region like wild fire, and the people flocked the place in thousands. Managing the crowd became a formidable task.

The funeral mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado of Vasai, Bishop Percival Ferandes of the archdiocese of Mumbai and Msgr Francis Correa, chancellor of Vasai diocese at 7 pm at St Peters Church, Koliwada. Parish priest, Fr Solomon Rodrigues, Fr Valentine Pawkar, parish priest of Gonsalo Garcia church, under the jurisdiction of which the ashram is located, and several other dignitaries were present. Even during the mass, the people were seen rushing to have a last look at the murdered priest and to pay their respects.

 

  

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  • Anthony Braganza, Mumbai/USA

    Thu, Sep 01 2022

    I had the priviledge of staying under the same roof for almost years in St.Pius College, Goregaon. He was a very simple and humble human being and always had a good word for everyone. I used to call him Dr. Peter. May his soul rest in peace and may he shower his blessings on us. Amen

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  • jovita, goa/mumbao

    Sat, Oct 01 2011

    Fr Peter Bombacha,was the most human priest I have ever known. Nothing compares to his spiritualily and holiness. He always had time to listen and bless those who sought his blessing. I really miss talking to him and experiencing his simple yet wise discourses.In my most difficult times inspite of being tired and washed out, Fr Peter never left me to wallow in my grief,Truly he was the most intelligent and caring priest for every one, rich or poor.He gave of himself to the very end. I really miss his wisdom and understanding.God bless his soul.He will surely see that his ashram will one day become a shrine.May he touch everyone who calls out to him.Mother of the forsaken pray for his devotes, and may his soul rest in peace

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  • delfin galbano, mumbai

    Mon, Nov 15 2010

    very sad 2 know may his soul rest in peace, even i had called him 4r my cough treatment on the phone but fr.bombacha guided me how to use the cough ingredients ovr the phone he was such a gem of a person, whoever has killed fr.bombacha should be sentensed to death,god bless his soul and rest in peace amen...

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  • vincent raj, kalyan

    Tue, Nov 02 2010

    Father sacrifised his whole life for others,no matter watever happen,he allways answered everyones calls,he used bless people on the phone,he was a grt priest ,father is allways in our hearts & memories may his soul rest in peace,

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  • Dr. Cajetan Coelho, Goa, India

    Sat, May 08 2010

    Respectful farewell to Fr Peter J Bombacha. May the Giver of Life grant him eternal bliss.

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  • Rovi, vasai/USA

    Mon, May 03 2010

    How could anyone do this?
    As Christians the strongest gift we have is of prayer and hope. This, Fr. Bambacha demonstrated through his mission of rehabilitating the toubled minds.

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  • peter, vasai , stella / Bahrain

    Mon, May 03 2010

    It 's really really sad to know that someone could go to this extent and do this sought of act to our dear Fr. Bombacha.May eternal rest grant to him and may his soul rest in peace.

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  • Olivia Moras, Puttur/toronto

    Sun, May 02 2010

    Very sad news. May his soul rest in peace.We have lost a nice person who truly lived for others. May God bless his soul.

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  • Sr. Stephina, Uttan/ Pali/ Germany

    Sun, May 02 2010

    May his Soul rest in Peace and forgive for all those who have done this crime. It is very sad and shocking news. my condolence along with my fly.

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  • Kay RaylonD'Costa, California,USA.

    Sun, May 02 2010

    Very sad to hear this news.I met him with my son in 2008. Very upbeat and interesting priest. He always prayed for our family. I have even called him long distance. We will miss this Wonderful Priest! May his Soul rest in Peace, Raylon-D'Costa Family USA.

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  • Anne Coelho, USA

    Sun, May 02 2010

    My family is saddened by the brutal killing of Fr. Bombacha. We knew him personally as a kind, simple and prayerful priest. Pray for Christians in India specially the religious who have become easy targets. So many killings in India. Pray for the safety of our people

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  • DENNIS FURTADO, VASAI/DUBAI

    Sun, May 02 2010

    very sad and disturbing incident,may his soal rest in peace.and i hope the vasai and thane police nab the person responsible for such an henious crime as soon as possible.

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  • Mitwa, Mysore

    Sun, May 02 2010

    Anamika/Vishwa,

    At this juncture, please keep politics, religion, government away.

    Every Religion Teaches the Concept of LIVE & LET LIVE...we should condemn the killer and pray for the departed.

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  • Mr. & Mrs. Vijay Almeida, Sandor, Vasai / Dubai

    Sun, May 02 2010

    We Vasaikars in Dubai condemn this cruel attack on an elderly priest who lived a selfless life of service to the poor & downtrodden. The culprits should be publicly punished in the same brutal way they committed this heinous crime.

    May Fr. Peter's soul rest in peace.

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  • JOY CASTELINO, MOODUBELLE/DUBAI

    Sun, May 02 2010

    Very sad and shocking news. May his soul rest in Peace.

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  • felix ferrao, Naigoan East/Kuwait

    Sat, May 01 2010

    A very sad and shocking news,many people were got healed by Fr.Bamboucha including me,he is a martyr,may his soul rest in peace.

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  • Aneeta Antonius, Vasai/Mangalore

    Sat, May 01 2010

    Christian priests have been harrassed of lately in our country.Its high time that some action should be taken against the culprits.God will never forgive people who hurt Priests & Nuns.

    Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord & let Perpetual Light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace.Amen

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  • Deven, Doha/Pune

    Sat, May 01 2010

    I condemn this incident as shocking no doubt like almost all of us do, but let me also be clear because of my faith in Christ that Jesus's judgement for the person or group of people involved will certainly take place and if it happens in this life then the person should consider himself fortunate or else he will burn in hell forever. We pray to God for justice.

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  • clara helen, mangalore / muscat

    Sat, May 01 2010

    What a sad news! How much this old priest must have been tortured! Undergarments somewhere, scissors sticking from his toungue etc. I'm sure he'll be in the right hand of Jesus. May his soul rest in Peace. Jesus have mercy on the sinners!

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  • MOHD. ARIF KAUP, MANGALORE

    Sat, May 01 2010

    hi everybody,
    this is very bad news
    one advise to Nagesh is pls dont politise issue. why you talking about cong. & bjp??? both parties are enemy of minorities. pls shut your mouth

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  • anamika, mangalroe

    Sat, May 01 2010

    Mitwa, Mysore..
    nagesh is using same words like you..
    definelty if happend in karnatak u people will blame right left of govt and say minoirty is not secure in karnataka..u wrote like coments no. of time..so simple

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  • Savio Fernandes, Goa / Dubai

    Sat, May 01 2010

    May Fr. Peters sould rest in Peace, all from Dahisar parish know what a great preist he was , always working for the sick and the poor , people used to flock our St.Louis parish for treatment every Sunday .
    Indeed he is a Martyr.

    We love you Father Peter Bumbacha .

    Savio Fernandes and Family and All Parishoners of St. Louis pray for his departed soul.

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  • Jenesia, Nallasopara(w)/Mumbai

    Sat, May 01 2010

    may his soul rest in peace.

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  • Jossey Saldanha, Kemmannu

    Sat, May 01 2010

    Nagesh Mama,
    BJP, RSS, VHP, Bhajrangdal are still active in Maharashtra.

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  • Vishwa, mangalore/usa

    Sat, May 01 2010

    I agree with Nagesh mam, If this would have been in karnataka evry body would have told state government has done it.

    Lets see whather it has happpend for religion purpose or church internal fight( which is rocking even vetican city)

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  • Jawar D'Souza, M'Lore/Doha

    Sat, May 01 2010

    What a brutal murder, the culprit's should be brought to justice. I think the builder may have a hand in this. May God give eternal rest and peace to his Soul.

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  • anis, mangalore/dubai

    Sat, May 01 2010

    well said,Alwyn,Canada

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  • Mitwa, Mysore

    Sat, May 01 2010

    Naagesh Maamu,

    Even if somebody is murdered, you talk about politics.

    Aren't you ashamed of yourselves before commenting.

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  • Christina Fernandes, Bombay/ Dubai

    Sat, May 01 2010

    Its very sad, disheartening and shocking that someone would do such a ghastly crime to a priest who was all out to help the people in whatever ways he could. Fr. Peter we will miss you and may god grant your soul eternal rest.

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  • Roseline Menezes, Vasai/Florida

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    This is really brutal. Justice has to be done! he was not just a priest but he was helping people undergo transformation in their lives. Whatever the motive of the murder is the killer has to be caught.I was shocked when i heard the news and brutality of it! Which kind of animal can do such a thing? He was a selfless man and never used to think of himself. All he ever cared for was betterment of the people. May God Rest his soul in peace.

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  • Alwyn, Canada

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    Nagesh mama insane people like you only talk about something your ways. Correct your behaviour before it goes in to your body & soul which will make you sick one day. Human are born to die and god bless us for our great work to your brother & sister around the world. Never know you might need help from some of our priest. Donot take side of govt of karnataka or Maharastra. Talk what is right for the society.

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  • Ancy Paladka, Vasai/Mumbai

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    Dear Nagesh,
    Vasai is a place where very large number of Christians live. The original inhabitants here are East Indians but lots of migrant Christians too are present here. There is a very strong inter-religious bond among people over here, hence you can not imagine something like work of religious extremism. For your information, the people of Vasai who work for parties like Shiv Sene, BJP etc have very great respect for Christians and people of other faith.

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  • Ancy Paladka, Vasai/Mumbai

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    Dear Walter Pais,
    Check at the second picture published in this report. In the same picture, his name is found as Fr Peter Bombacha. He is an East Indian belonging to St. Peter's Church of Koliwada parish. We find other East Indians too who have the same Bombacha sir name. (It is for your to investigate whether Barboza turned to Bombacha. The name you mentioned in other newspaper is falsely published)
    Fr. Peter J Bombacha was born on 29-May-1936 and ordained on 20-Dec-1970
    He had served the following parishes. 1. Sandor 2.Mudh 3.Karody 4.Thane 5.Naigaon 6.Koliwada
    He was a great devotee of Mother Mary. According to the Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado he has helped more than 20,000 people to stop alcohol. People of all religion used to come for medicines with him. He has 3 brothers and 1 sister who are still alive.

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  • Macson, Canada

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    Fr. Peter Bombacha R.I.P!!!
    Im devastated after hearing the news and its really very very sad how such a wondeful and great life of fr. bombacha ended like this.

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  • Ashley fernandes, Vasai/Qatar

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    Dear Ancy,
    Please post whenever the victim is found!!
    This is really very bad

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  • Reginald Santhmayer, Renjala / Karkala / Vasai

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    thanks ancy for the news and photos. God bless you.

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  • RONY MENDONCA, Moodbidri/dubai

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    May the soul rest in peace, Father you became martyr for faith. A shock for Roman catholic church . thank you Ancy Paladka for news & photos.

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  • praveen fernandes, gangolli/israel

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    this is very sad and very shocking news!!! may his soul rest in peace.. may our almighty god grant him eternal rest.. may god bless his soul.. and may god bless and forgive to who killed to the priest.. heartfelt condolencess from-:praveen,family,friends,parish priest and all parishioners of gangolli parish.. gangolli/israel.

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  • steve, Mangalore/Dubai

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    Dear Fr Peter J Bombacha,You are a Martyr,Please Pray for us sinners.

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  • Judith L, Mumbai

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    This is really sad and outrageous. People doing good for others, is this what they should get in return. I hope and pray that the culprits are soon caught and justice given to Father Peter Bambacha. I Pray for his soul to rest in peace. Eternal rest grant unto him Lord.

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  • STALIN MISQUITH, MANGALORE

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    THERE SHOULD BE NO MERCY FOR PEOPLE WHO DO THE CRIME. SHOOT THEM IMMEDIATELY, THEN VERY SOON INDIA WILL BE A BETTER PLACE TO STAY. IN MOST CASES, CRIMINALS IN INDIA ARE OUT ON BAIL, WHICH THE GOVT SHOULD STOP ONCE AND FOR ALL THE SAFETY OF THE COUNTRY.

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  • nagesh nayaK, bangalore

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    LET US SEE HOW MANY WILL COMMENT AGAISNT MAHARASHTRA CONGRESS GOVT. & CM FOR MURDER OF A PRIEST NEAR MUMBAI.

    IF IT IS IN KARNATAKA BY THIS TIME LACS OF BLAMES THROUOUT THE WORLD ARE POURING IN AGAINST BJP, CM & HINDUISM.

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  • jossy tauro, mangalore/abudhabi

    Fri, Apr 30 2010

    Rest in peace his soul.and fogive those who done this crime

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  • Walter Pais, Mumbai

    Thu, Apr 29 2010

    Please confirm the name. DNA news website reports that he was the previous parish priest of St. Peter's and his name was Fr. Peter Barboza. May be some journalist heard his name wrong and Barboza became Bombacha and all news quote one another. So please double check the name with the Arch Diocese or Vasai Deanaeray.

    Thank you.

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  • naveen mascarenhas, derabail

    Thu, Apr 29 2010

    very sad news may his soul rest in peace.congress goverment in mumbai whats happening.

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  • shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Thu, Apr 29 2010

    A very very sad and sitrubring and hilghly condemnbale incident. The whole human community has lost a vergy good person. Its a big loss to humanity and to our christian brethern. A few days back I have written in this portal about the murders/death of chirstian priest across our country. Now I have the feeling that religious fanaticism is prompting such killings.

    May Lord bless the departed soul.

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Title: Retired Priest, Fr Peter J Bombacha, Murdered at Vasai



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