Daijiworld News Network - Moodbidri (GA)
Moodbidri, Mar 22: The case of assault on Belvai parish priest Fr Gregory Serrao appears to be slowly taking political colour. With both the parties going public by calling press conferences to state their innocence, politicians too are entering the scene as expected.
On Tuesday March 21 first it was the turn of the accused Simon Mascarenhas and group who addressed a press conference at Moodbidri Press Club. The prime accused Simon Mascarenhas who is also the secretary of Catholic Sabha, Moodbidri zone, addressed the press conference. Speaking to the scribes he said that he or his persons which included his son Mathew Mascarenhas never assaulted the parish priest. "The accusation that I assaulted the parish priest is politically motivated and far from the truth," he stated.
He added that the parish priest has been in bitter terms with him ever since he opposed the building of presbytery which was quite sophisticated than expected. "Since then, Fr Gregory has been accusing me even during the Holy Eucharist. He even asked the parishioners not to vote for me in the last local elections. The parish priest even quoted Bishop in asking the parishioners not to send their children to the English medium school run by me. So when I went to clarify the same on last Sunday during mass, he pushed me away. When my son Mathew came to my rescue, Fr Gregory's supporters assaulted him. But neither I nor anyone from my side assaulted the parish priest," he added.
On the other hand, another press conference supporting the parish priest was held at former minister and JD (S) leader Amarnath Shetty's house on Tuesday. Addressing the reporters, Amarnath Shetty condemned the assault on Fr Gregory Serrao.
He asked the administration to take legal action against the accused. "There is a special place for religious leaders in every religion. They are to be respected not only for the service they render but because of the very fact that they have been chosen by God. So assaulting them, especially when they are offering prayers is not at all expected. Such acts done by anyone, however powerful and good he or she be, should be condemned by all. Whatever the problem, it should be solved outside in person. So assault on Fr Gregory during holy service is unpardonable," he said.
Anthony Menezes, Alex Menezes, K Krishnaraj Hegde, Victor Pais, Faustine Sequeira, Gregory Mendes and others were present on the occasion.
In the meantime, the accused in the case Simon Mascarenhas, Mathew Mascarenhas, Gilbert Braganza and John Nazareth have been granted bail by Karkala muncif court on Tuesday. Charges are filed against them for attempt for murder under Section 506.
On the other hand Mathew Mascarenhas has filed a complaint of assault against Anil Menezes, Vincent Fernandes, Anthony Menezes and Melwyn with the Dakshina Kannada SP, a copy of which has been submitted to the Lok Ayukta.