Udupi, Nov 5, 2019: People from other religions joined members of Our Lady of Church in Shirva, Karnataka, to petition police to intensify their investigation into the alleged suicide of a priest.
They warned to launch more vigorous protests in future if no proper action is taken on their petition.
The petition mainly says that immediately after the death of Father Mahesh D’Souza, the church bells were not rung and the community was not informed.
This should have been done as per the Church rules. The parishioners came to know about the death through social media.
When the parishioners went to the church after hearing the suicide news, they were old that the body was shifted to a hospital morgue. The parishioners also noted the parish priest was not available in the church premises, petition alleges.
Once a priest is ordained, he becomes the member of the church and his family will have no right on him. So far, neither the parish priest nor the bishop have filed a complaint requesting the investigation in the death of Father D’Souza, dds the petition.
When questioned by the parishioners, the bishop negated of filing a complaint and the parish priest was silent on the subject. Because of this people, irrespective of religion and caste took out the silent protest, the petition says.
People from all communities joined the protest.
BJP district president Mattar Ranthankar Hegde also joined the protest along with Carlod Castelino, Dolphy Castelino and Sunil Cabral who led the protest.
Source: daijiworld.com