John Baptist house demolition: organisations demand action against culprits

John Baptist house demolition: organisations demand action against culprits

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, July 2, 2014:  Further to ’Mangalore Today’  reports, local media has come out with reports today that several associations have demanded action against the scheming characters without favour.

United Christian Association Mangalore and Indian Christian Laity Forum along with PUCL, addressed a press meet July 2, demanding strict action against  the culprits who have masterminded this sordid episode. It has stated  some priests of Aloysius College (who are now absconding an FIR was filed on June 26,2014)  and 40 others allegedly have pivotal roles in demolishing the residence of John Baptist Lewis and family located at Patrao Lane, Karangalpady, Mangalore.

 

P B D’Sa of PUCL said, “Fr. Cyril and Fr. Francis are at large. In this context, we demand the arrest of Fr. Denzil Lobo, head of the society, as the culprits are a registered society. Head of the society attracts vicarious liability as the main conspirator of the crime. Fr. Denzil is the rector of the institute and final decision to demolish is jointly taken. A propaganda that Lewis has 6 acres of land which is not true. His children are presently living with their relatives and he is given temporary shelter by the capuchin monks of  Bejai”. It is also known that J B Lewis a staunch catholic has been of service in the Capuchin Church at Jail Road in Bijai, as is known to several members of the community.

"The police is not active and are maintaining silence. This suggests that they have succumbed to some pressure,” said David D’Souza, president, Indian Christian Laity Forum, Mangalore.

On June 26, 2014, the house of Lewis, where he has reportedly been living from the past many decades, was razed to the ground by St Aloysius College management claiming that the property belonged to the management. It is also alleged that Lewis was threatened of death and bodily lifted from the spot. Melita Lewis, daughter of Lewis, alleges not only was she verbally abused harshly but she and her sister were even manhandled.  Their personal effects, documents, valuables, money and assets have been vandalised and taken away. Even personal garments are missing.