Mangalore: Man Goes on Rampage at St Alphonsa Catholic Church
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS)
Update: 12.20 am
Mangalore, Nov 4: Speaking to the media soon after the attack on St Alphonsa Catholic Church by a man here on the night of Thursday November 3, police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said that security has been beefed up in churches across the city.
He also elaborated on the incident and said that the man, identified as Shibu, entered the dining hall where assistant parish priest Fr Shibi had just finished dinner and was sitting, and barged into the prayer hall. Depsite the efforts of those present at the time, he went on destroying the property of the church, including the statues, Singh said.
He was finally caught be a group of students who stay in a nearby hostel when he went into the sacristy and started removing his clothes and wore the holy vestments, Singh added.
The man is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, and will be taken for a test.
Police have been deployed at the spot.
Initial Report:
Mangalore, Nov 3: A man barged into St Alphonsa Catholic Church in Kankanady here on the night of Thursday November 3 at around 8.30 pm, and destroyed church property including statues.
The man has been identified as Shibu from Jalligudde. Curiously, he also went into the sacristy, removed his clothes and tried to wear the holy vestments, before he was discovered by students staying at a hostel nearby.
Kadri police arrived at the spot and managed to arrest him. He has been taken to the police station. DCP Mutthuraya also arrived.
Assistant parish priest of the church Fr Shibi will be lodging a complaint.
Following the incident, a large crowd gathered near the church.
Seemant Kumar Singh who came to the spot asked the people to vacate the area and to remain calm. Investigations are on and police have taken his clothes and footwear for further probe.
Sources said that Shibu is not insane, but is suspected to be in a state of temporary psychological distress. He is a conductor on a bus that goes on route 15, it is learnt.
International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA) president Ronald Colaco, convener Denis D'Silva and local corporator Naveen D'Souza condemned the incident.
Watch Video