Karnataka State Commission for Women to probe assault / molestation by Jesuit Priests

Karnataka State Commission for Women to probe assault / molestation by Jesuit Priests

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, July 21, 2014: The Chairperson – Mrs. Manjula Manasa, Karnataka State Commission for Women, Bangalore, in a strongly worded communication addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Mangalore, in relation to the JOHN BAPTIST LEWIS Demolition case has pulled up the Mangalore Police for not having arrested the three Priests – FATHER DENZIL LOBO, FATHER ALMEDIA and FATHER CYRIL and Vice Principal JOHN D’SILVA as also Advocate – M.P. NORONHA who are the prime accused and face serious criminal charges in relation to the incident which took place on the afternoon of 26.06.2014.  The Commissioner has been asked to explain as to why the police are siding with these persons and have not arrested them for the last 30 DAYS.  He has also been asked to explain as to why no arrests have been made even though the Court has rejected the Anticipatory Bail Applications.

 

The Chairperson has also pointed out to the Police that she has personally enquired into the case which discloses the shocking fact that when the two daughters of JOHN BAPTIST LEWIS by the names of Melita and Savita rushed to the spot and tried to stop the demolition of their home,  these Accused persons directed the Driver of the Bulldozer to drive the machine over them and finish them.  When they refused to move, the machine was stopped at the last moment after the attempt to murder and these Priests physically caught hold of the girls, pulled them aside, assaulted them and MOLESTED them after which they forcibly restrained them till the demolition was over.  The Commission has taken a very strong view of the fact that in a serious incident like this where the Priests have attacked these two young women that the Investigating Officer has not properly recorded their Statements and has tried to save the Priests, the Lawyer and the Vice Principal.

 

Pointing out to the Police that this case is even more serious than the Pub Assault Case and the Morning Mist Case because there are religious persons involved and more importantly, a Lawyer has participated in the event along with his clients, the Commission has ordered immediate corrective action in the investigation and action against the Accused persons according to Law.    The aggravating factor in this case is that the dispute regarding the property is sub-judice before the Civil Court and the house has been demolished during the pendency of the Civil Proceedings in rank Contempt of Court for which the Commission is taking action through the High Court.