Mangalore Today

AKCCKS Secretary, Raphael Raj released after questioning in Mangalore

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 4, 2014: Secretary Raphael Raj of Akhila Karnataka Catholica Christara Kannada Sangha (AKCCKS) Bangalore, who was taken into custody on June 3 for holding a media meet and levelling allegations against Bangalore Catholic Archbishop, Rev. Dr Bernard Moras, was released after questioning.

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Raphael was taken into custody for questioning by the Bunder police based on a complaint, after he accused the Archbishop of being ’involved’ in the murder case of Fr K J Thomas, rector of St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore. Speaking at a press meet in the city, Raphael had demanded CBI probe into the case.

The police said that Raphael was released as holding a press meet was not sufficient grounds for arrest, and that it was a non-cognizable offence, hence no FIR was filed.

Briefing the press, Stany Alvares, president of Konkani Prachar Sanchalan, said that as per law, Raphael could only be questioned and not produced in court. However he added that the Sanchalan will file a defamation suit against Raphael. He further said Raphael Raj tendered an apology in writing admitting that he had levelled the allegations against the Archbishop without material proof.