Udupi: Shirva parishioners stage flash protest over priest’s death

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, November 3, 2019: Sudden disturbances flared up with a huge gathering of parish members  late saturday, in front of the Shirva Parish church concerning the shocking death of priest Fr.  Mahesh D’Souza on the parish premises, after ’All Souls Day’ observances. They strongly expressed displeasure and protested  at the lack of information on this shocking incident which took place in the church premises on October 11.

 

Assurances from Parish priest Fr Denis D’Sa and senior police officers did not satisfy the parish members male and female,  gathered in large numbers, they refused to disperse from the church premises until Udupi bishop Dr Isaac Lobo came there and explained the facts.  Even after  the Parish Priest Fr D’Sa assured that the bishop will meet them there today, November 3, Sunday, they indicated they will sit on the spot and await the Bishop.

The protesters demanded as to why first information report (FIR) has not been filed yet. Mahesh Prasad, Karkala circle inspector, explained that the proceedure was open for  60 days from the time of incident, as post-mortem report is awaited there is nothing untoward here and all care was taken for a proper probe.

Meanwhile the protesters of the parish members  refused to talk to the members of parish council.  Police spoke to convince the parishioners and said that a 10-member committee of police and church authority will have a discussion on Sunday, but it did not go down well with the protesters..

Sampath Kumar, in-charge circle inspector, Karkala, Nazeer Hussain from Karkala police station and others police personnel undertook tight security measures to control the situation.   Fr Dennis D’Sa, the Parish Priest  accompanied by police personnel, again  spoke to the parishioners and tried to pacify them that he too desired justice to be done in the case. But the protesting parishioners demanded that the Bishop needs to come there. .

 Sunil Cabral representative of protesters, then appealed to  the protestors that it is promised the Udupi Bishop will meet them at the spot at 10 am November 3, Sunday, today.  There after the protesting crowd  dispersed from the church premises.  Accordingly the Udupi Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo is expected to meet the protesters today Sunday, November 3 at 10 am.  Due security has been provided at the church premises by police and further action awaited.