Bangalore: Police crack Fr K J Thomas murder case: 3 arrested, more likely


Bangalore: Police crack Fr K J Thomas murder case: 3 arrested, more likely

From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Mar 21: Almost a year from the day of the ghastly murder of the soft-spoken and warm hearted Fr K J Thomas (62), Rector of St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore on the night of March 31 last year, the Bangalore police have finally succeeded in cracking the case with the arrest of three persons, including two priests Fr William Patrick and Fr Illyas and a layperson Peter.
 
''When they (arrested persons) were subjected to detailed interrogation, they confessed to the offence,” declared the Karnataka Director General of Police Lalrokhuma Pachau at a largely attended news conference on Friday.

City Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar and Joint Commissioner Pranab Mohanty, both of whom were present at the news conference, said a few more arrests were likely and the investigation is not fully completed.
 
The arrested trio will be produced before the magistrate and we will seek their custody and carry out further investigation, when more details are likely to come out, Auradkar said. ''We conducted the investigation covering all angles. Further details and more arrests are expected,” he said.
 
The Joint Commissioner of Police Pranab Mohanty, who personally monitored the investigation, claimed that the accused had ''meticulously planned” the entire operation and carefully chosen the night of March 31 as they knew there would very few persons in the Seminary due to the Easter holidays.
 
Asked why the Procurator of the Seminary Fr Patrick Xavier, who was staying in the adjacent room as Fr KJ Thomas on the fateful night, and was also subjected to polygraph and narco tests, has been left, Mohanty said: ''We cannot reveal all the details of the investigation. Yes, there are questions regarding why Fr Xavier did not respond to the noise and commotion or inform the police immediately after the incident. But we need clinching evidence. The investigation is still going on and we are examining all angles. We will be able to get more details only after subjecting the accused to further investigation.”
 
To a question on whether the language controversy dogging the Bangalore Archdiocese, with some of the Kannada speaking priests and their supporters locking horns with the Archbishop of Bangalore and even the Seminary authorities and even demanding a separate Kannada seminary, was behind the murder, the DGP said: ''There are many factors and aspects to the case. We are neither confirming or ruling out the involvement of the so-called pro-Kannada elements and the role of the language fanatics. It is also not possible to disclose details when the investigation is still incomplete.”
 
While Fr William Patrick, the Parish Priest of the Kengeri Church belonging to the Archdiocese of Bangalore, is the cousin of the Procurator Fr Patrick Xavier, while the other accused Fr Illyas, is a religious priest belonging to Carmelites Congregation, who had since been transferred to Gulbarga. Both the priests are reportedly known to be the ardent supporters of the Catholics espousing the cause of Kannada speaking priests. Peter is said to be a layperson sympathetic and his antecedents are not known.

Describing the investigation into the murder case of Fr KJ Thomas as a ''very sensitive and high profile case,” the DGP said it was important to know whether it for gain or out of personal enmity. 

Fingerprints were taken from the spot and matched with our enormous data base of known offenders in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Pondicherry. In addition, a large volume of call details were analysed and more than 2000 persons were examined, he explained.

''Because of the sensitive nature of the case, the Commissioner himself examined and interrogated some of the suspects. While 10 persons were subjected to polygraph tests, 5 persons were subjected to narco analysis at the Forensic Security Laboratory (FSL), Ahmedabad in Gujarat,” said the DGP and disclosed that from all the above technical and other investigations, ''it came to light that Fr Illyas along with his associates were involved in the offence.”

Auradkar mentioned that the deceased Fr K J Thomas had been working as the Rector of the Seminary for a long time and Fr Illyas and the other accused were ''very unhappy with this” and also there was ''lot of resentment among the accused that many of them were being sidelined for important posts and that only a few persons were always occupying important posts.”

The accused hatched a criminal conspiracy to break into the Seminary and obtain important documents pertaining to lands that were granted to the seminary and the night March 31 was carefully chosen as the accused were fully aware of the fact that the seminarians and other priests would be away on leave on account of the Easter season and only Fr Thomas and a few others would be in the Seminary, the DGP said.

The accused priests Fr Illyas and Fr William Patrick and Peter and others met near the Yeshwantpur circle, which is hardly a km away from the Seminary, on March 31 night and walked up to the seminary ''armed with rods and other deadly weapons.” On reaching the seminary, the accused began to break open the locks of the Seminary rooms and started searching for the documents. While they were searching the documents, Fr Thomas came out of the room and spotted the accused persons and on being questioned, they ''assaulted him leading to his death,” said the DGP adding: ''They left no clue behind for this ghastly act.”

In spite of there being no ''sufficient clues,” the Bangalore police were ''successful in cracking the case,” said the DGP adding: A pulsar bike and two mobiles which were used by the accused have been seized. ''Remaining accused will be arrested in due course,” he claimed.

Answering questions, the City Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar said the filing of a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court by the relatives of Fr KJ Thomas demanding a CBI probe into the murder was not a factor in making arrests of the three persons even before completion of the entire investigation. However, the legal tussle in getting permission for conducting narco tests did hamper the investigation to some extent as the matter resulted in almost three months delay, he said.

The 62-year-old Fr Kochupuryil J Thomas was born on May 13, 1951 at Etturmanoor near Kottayam in Kerala. After his high school studies in his native place, he joined the Diocese of Ooty as a minor seminarian due to the fraternal and vocational influence of his uncle, who is a priest still alive. He did his major seminary studies and had formation at St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary/Institute in Bangalore.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ooty on May 14, 1980. Subsequently, he completed his Master’s Degree in History from Mysore University and another Master’s degree in Political Science from Madras University. Later, he completed his M.Ed. from Madura Kamaraj University. He served the Ooty Diocese for about 8 years as Assistant Parish Priest and school principal.

Having recognized the caliber, character, capacity and piety of Fr Thomas, the Board of St Peter’s Seminary selected and appointed him as a staff, formator and lecturer starting with the year 1988. He was sent for higher studies in Rome in Systematic Theology and came with a Doctorate with flying colours in 1983 from Urbaniana University.

The Board of Bishops, who had observed his simplicity, honesty, hard work, dedication and the spirit of austerity, appointed Fr KJ as Procurator for two terms of five years from 1994. Concurrently, he also held the office of the Department of Systematic Theology for many years with distinction. He was installed as the President of the St Peter’s Pontifical Institute in 2009 and renominated to the same post in 2009 and named as the Rector of St Peter’s Pontifical Major Seminary.

Karnataka Director General of Police Lalrokhuma Pachau announced cash awards to Additional Commissioner of Police Siddappa of KR Puram, ACP Seshadri and Police Inspector K L Krishna of Yeshwanthpur and Geetha Kulkarni of City Crime Branch as well as Sandeep Patil, Abhishek Goel and V S D’Souza for their role in the investigation.

Meanwhile, a section of the Kannada speaking priests reportedly planned a demonstration in front of the Archbishop’s Residence over the arrest of two of the Kannada speaking priests in the murder case of Fr K J Thomas. The Archbishop of Bangalore Dr Bernard Moras was, however, away on his official engagements since morning.

According to informed sources, the Archbishop of Bangalore has reportedly asked the lawyers of the Archdiocese of Bangalore to apply for bail for Fr William Patrick as he belongs to the Archdiocese while the Congregation of Carmelites is understood to have engaged a lawyer for securing bail for Fr Illyas.

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Ron Fernandes, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    These priests are some like they feel that they have sacrificed a lot for their priestly vocation. They need to be identified and thrown out of the ministry. I have seen priests who wear gold ornaments and also have people of their family living with them in their quarters, they have dogs, perfumes and they also take police protection. Where in the Bible has Jesus preached that you should have police protection? This is all made by the ruling people in the dioceses like the bishop, arch bishop and others. The bishop house should question why these things are happening in the dioceses. They are thick skinned themselves and they do not want any one to question them. The language issue is their own creation and they are now setting people of one language against the other. Can anyone tell where is Fr Gomes from Mysore bishop house is now? He is in a parish in Texas, USA. Why and how did he land there? Any answers? He probably cheated the bishop house and even committed fraud with the immigration authorities in filing false documents for his visa. These culprits need all the pleasures of life. They go abroad and begin all the vices like child abuse and what not.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • PRADIP MAKHAL, KOLKATA/DUBAI

    Tue, Apr 08 2014

    A Roman Catholic priest means, a man on a mission i.e. Christ's mission on earth. He needs to sacrifice his entire life for the service of the faithful. But the whole concept of priest and priesthood has changed today. These people, except a few, seek all the pleasures that the world can provide. The Church has come to a stand where the priests will be hated by the believers as well as the non believers. I do agree that the law of the land should take its own course and punish the criminals so that the priests realize that they are not Gods exempted from everything. They must be treated like anybody else. RIP Fr. K. J. Thomas

    DisAgree [6] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pablo chang, NEWYORK

    Thu, Mar 27 2014

    Let the police finish their investigation, until then no comments.Let us pray for the police and all people who involved in this case to get the truth and punish the culprit.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cyril Vas, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Mon, Mar 24 2014

    The Church is both holy and sinful. Holy because it comes from God, sinful because it is full of human beings. This has been proved right from the time of Jesus Himself. The Church history down the centuries has made no exception to the above truth.

    While the news of the murder of a priest by fellow priests is shocking to many devout Catholics, it is a scandal to many non Christians.

    At this critical time, it is good for all of us to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ. It is to Christ that we owe all worship, not to any human being. We can treat this as a wake up call not to make gods out of priests, but to treat them as human beings like us, prone to evil, prone to sin, weak in the flesh and also weak in spirit.

    We need to remain calm and watch and pray at this difficult time for the Church in India without condemning anybody, without being judgmental and without being inhuman. Let us leave everything to God who in His own time and in His own way will cleanse the Church. As for ourselves, let us remain united as a flock of God, with our eyes weakend by tears fixed on God and His goodness, with our feet so feeble by pain within ever so strong and firm on the path of truth and justice. Let Jesus who suffered and died for us also rise in us for a victory not defeat, for unity, not division, for love and not hatred.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harsha, Bangalore

    Mon, Mar 24 2014

    Firstly, Fr Iliyas being a carmalite has nothing to do with st peters seminary which is a archdiocesan seminary. Secondly, all important documents of the diocese are maintained in palaana bhavan and seminary has nothing to do with the records. If the archdiocese has accepted this story, then there is something seriously wrong here...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stalin Dsouza, karkala

    Sun, Mar 23 2014

    As i saw in the newspaper, I have a little confusion regarding this murder case. What is the advantage to this two father's by murdering the rector who is in charge of that seminary, here we are not getting how exactly did priest got murdered, police are telling they have beaten in the rod but before they were saying they murdered through knife. Where is that document which father has taken and wat that document contains and How it will be useful for this two fathers by taking that document, can be that the document could be use by this father personally. Still case should go through nor give it to C.B.I (central bureau of investigation) then we will get a clear picture.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vilma Cutinha, Bangalore

    Sun, Mar 23 2014

    As a Catholic I am completely ashamed of this heinous crime.. if proven guilty these men should be disbanded from our community .

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Helen Dcunha, Bangalore

    Sun, Mar 23 2014

    No bail should be given to these criminals ! If they have accepted their crime, then our archdiocese should let the law take its course.. as Catholics, we should strongly oppose this !

    DisAgree [6] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mumbai

    Sun, Mar 23 2014

    In the news report, there is mention that "the accused were searching for some documents"!! Now the most important question is what were these documents pertaining to and why they were so desperate to acquire them in getting to know the reason, more details of why this heinous crime was perpetrated will come out!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eric, Mangalore

    Sun, Mar 23 2014

    Today's Shepherds of the sheep, who follow Christ, the son of God who came down to Earth from Heaven with The Good News to liberate the Sinners.

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • tony, cbe

    Sun, Mar 23 2014

    Lord, do not forgive them, for they knew very well what they did.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • sobina, bangalore

    Sun, Mar 23 2014

    Anybody can kill-???????? Unbelievable

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pravin Paul, Mysore South

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    I thank Police team for identifying this damn Culprits.This is a shame and red underline to the whole Catholic community throughout the world.As for as I believe No priest has ever did this evilness by killing brethren priest for the sake of language & power.Indeed Now a days Priest's life has become a profession dealt with Power,Position,cheap politics and Luxury in all aspects.Soon after becoming a priest within a span of 2 year he owns a luxury cars where he was bought up in a poorest family..We need to ask where did the money come from ???...Meanwhile, some of the priest act like a CEO of the MNC companies by carrying laptops & Blackberry's..??..My question is Y.?Did Jesus & Peter carried Laptop r blackberry to spread the Good news or else did he travelled in Scorpio & ford..?... The day will come soon where no Catholics will be found in the churches suppose if you behave like this..??..Finally archdiocese claim for the bail, for this culprits is really saddening..All who have involved deserves a corporal punishment under law ..RIP Fr.K J.THOMAS

    DisAgree [8] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • milton, banglore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Just because one person or more than one person do it we can't generalize it. There are holy people unceasingly working towards holiness. Let us pray for them dear brothers and sisters in Jesus.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dave, Bangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    The Priests who are planning to hold a demonstration in front of the Archbishop's house must not be allowed to do so... If they do, they too must be arrested for not allowing the law to do its duty. The Archibishop too should immediately remove these killer priests from their diocese and the catholic church. And shockingly, the priests and the people who brutally killed Father Thomas, must be punished severely as per law.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    History is repeating. In the church history, even the popes are murdered. It is a wake up call to all the religious to live up to what they are called for, leaving behind jealousy, hatred, money, power struggle and superiority.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwin D'Sa, Karwar

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Look at these "Catholic Priests" evil thoughts and actions... Moral theology says "Do good avoid evil" But...? I wonder how these evil priests were celebrating Holy Eucharist? No words Dear Rector!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sr.Namrata Csst, Mumbai

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    DISUNITY WILL ONLY CAUSE DISHARMONY, TENSIONS & WORRIES. LET US FOCUS ON OUR GOAL-TO REACH BACK TO OUR CREATOR FOR THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR PERMANENT RESIDENCE,WE ALL ARE PILGRIMS, WE CAME EMPTY HANDED & NEED TO GO BACK EMPTY HANDED FOR HEAVENS GATE IS NARROW, SO DON'T CRAVE FOR POWER & PRESTIGE, NAME & FAME THEY ALL ARE GAMES OF THIS WORLD TO LEAD US TO THE GATES OF HELL. "MAY THE SOUL OF FR.K J THOMAS REST IN PEACE".

    DisAgree [3] Agree [581] Reply Report Abuse

  • A.noronha, Mlore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Are you supporting the murder or giving a lecture on how to live.
    No one wats to take anything as you cant. BUT everyone wants something here.
    Even U

    DisAgree [234] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Matthew 7:21
    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

    When Jesus comes in glory in the second time, First He catches the Clergy whether you are following the practicing the teaching and preaching of mine or not.


    Matthew 23:13
    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

    Those don’t follow the Ten Commandments you will be under the wrath of God in the Hell because you ring the bell of death knell.

    If you love only a particular language you cannot love God. Almighty God knows all languages pray in any languages you know and don’t be zealous and selfish of your own and others languages.
    God bless all of us.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'lore / Kuwait

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Over the years the True Church has deviated from its original path. Hard to believe a priest killing his fellow priest, who are supposed to live as brothers. This is one of the gravest and horrible consequences of commercializing and politicizing the holy institution, which has been referred to as whoredom in the Holy Scriptures. Those who cannot sacrifice power, position and worldly luxuries for the sake of suffering humanity shouldn’t go for priesthood.

    DisAgree Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • A.Noronha, Mlore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Parimala,
    Not in this case the truth may not set them free.
    Don't Quote out of context.
    Just because it is there !

    DisAgree [136] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • PRAMILA, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    VERY SAD TO HEAR. BUT ONE THING IS SURE THAT THE TRUTH WILL SET EVERYONE FREE.THANKS TO GOD.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • A.Noronha, Mlore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    And finally not 1, 2 , or 3 ......
    THEY ALL DESERETED HIM !

    DisAgree [150] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ethan, Florida\ Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Pramila Truth will set You free, but not the murderers!

    DisAgree [23] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr.Fulton Dsouza, Bangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    The news is very horrifying for us catholics,but i think we should wait for full investigations before we jump into conclusions.Yes we have never heard such a event before but always rememember the two disciples of Jesus our saviour. One betrayed him and other sold him.Our hats off for our dedicated catholic priests who render selfless service to the needy.I pray to God that this event shouldnt affect their work. Congratulations to Rev. Dr.Bishop Bernard Moras for his exlemporary courage in helping to solve this case.May Fr. Thomas soul Rest In Peace.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • A.noronha, Mlore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Fulton ,
    Why have you Forgotten the one who Denied him...Peter ?
    The one who betrayed him and sold him are one and the same.Judas
    The other is the one who doubted him ...Thomas.

    DisAgree [134] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ethan, Florida\ Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    'History' go back to the History and find out about the Religious Intolerance by the Church Murders/ Homosexuality all were and are common things since the 1st Century. all well hid, no religion is perfect, but what I hate most these are these are done in the name of a Innocent Person ( Jesus the Christ) who was crucified by the Romans by Jewish Politics to whom Jesus was a Messiah, and now we crucify him repeatedly by such things be it Catholics/Orthodox/Protestants!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robert Cutinha, BANAGLORE

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Its very sad the Culprits were along with us for the last one year.We the parishioners of Kengeri settlite town many times in the Church prayed along with Fr William Patrick to catch the culprits at the earliest.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • alex, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Kudos to all involved in solving this case , we need to appreciate the Christians like the Archbishop the other priests and seminarians, Home Minister ,State police Chief and ex DIG VS Dsouza who were instrumental in getting this solved even though religious and christian reputation was at stake and by their action put across a point that the majority of Christians try to be fair & just .

    DisAgree [6] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Enemy within.

    When the God's called vocation to serve the humanity has turned to profession to serve the world for fame, power then all these evil starts. Jealousy is the root cause for all evil.

    Whether they are priests or not, all murderes requires stringent punishment. Let these murderers rot in the jail along with inmates, all their additional fat will burn there in jail. No mercy. Only stringent punishment.

    Congratulations to the entire Karnataka police team who had worked day and night to solve the mysterious, delicate murder issue.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amin Bhoja, Patte / Riyadh

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Enemy within!!! it is believed that the position money and self benefit these all are ruling above your fundamental and basic duties ,sometime it is a priest or a saint.It is very rare nowadays you will find people who devoted selflessly to the welfare of others!!!.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan Braganza, Mumbai

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Every murder has the reason and can b spontaneous too. Even the holy can succumb to it depending on circumstances.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gurudath, M'lore/Mumbai

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Surprising and sad. It puts a question mark on the integrity of all priest most of whom are dedicated to their cause.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Antonio, Goa

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    We are relieved that some truth has come out. I only hope n pray that 'power' is not used to shield the culprits. May truth n justice prevail. SATYAMEV JAYATE.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • sudarshan, ganjimut

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Business enmity. Compititors / rival of business put to rest.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • jacob premkumar, bangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    It's time,that the Archbishop, priests and the believers come together and rededicate our lives in this lental period. For the scripture states in Galations 3:28, There is neither Jews nor Greeks,there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

    As one body of Christ, we should drown our language, caste, creed and become born of the Divine mercy of his water and spirit.

    The time has come for every Christian to be on the knees and pray for the unity of the Church and let us move forward.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr, Urban Santosh Fernandes, Arwa - Aladangady (Parish Priest, Chendia)

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    I am shocked and crushed to the core. If every priest takes this incident for their personal reflection, it would result in self examination. We priests need to reflect Jesus Christ and not the world. A lot of kneeling keeps you standing before the Lord.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    No disrespect Fr Fernande. You said, we priests need to reflect Jesus Christ and not the world...Really, Even the Pope will disagree with you, and Is Christ divided? Jesus Christ has made s a kingdom of priests to serve God the Father and the world. These Priest had allowed Satan to enter into them, These Priest are nothing but Traitors...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis Lewis, Sastan / Bangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    This is one of tragedy where our own people killed Fr. K J Thomas and i cannot recollect this as I met him on Holy Saturday and we wished each other after the Mass. Now this is the high time our Pope has to take necessary steps to stop this type of killings and my sincere request with Rev. Bernard Moras not to worry to this and with courage kindly continues your good work and also spread God's words to our Christian Community with full faith.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    What a Shame? on these Devil Priest, these are the same people preaching love and tolerance...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • essell, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    We need to prepare our children for their future life. May be priesthood, religious, single or married life. Spirituality is more important than religion. Moral values last forever. There are few priests who are Christlike whereas as make use of their priesthood to exhibit their talents, increase their bank balance, real estate, dominate over the laity. Today Christ is missing in Christianity which leads to all problems.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachidanand Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Thanks GOD it’s not communal incidents, but within the community only. But how these people can kill fellow humans that also people who occupy the post like Priest and always preach people about good things only!!!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Benjamin, Mangalore/USA

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    The conclusion is all religions are same In these ways preaching, beliefs, practice including doing wrong things. Just I'm trying to say is don't make the religion public, religion is an individual personal matter, so keep it personal. If you make it public then there will be clashes, fights, there will be bad things like above killings, like Asaram stories.. there are so many of this kind.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • lenso, mlore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    I cant believe . It may be the first time in the history of Karnataka.I still respect the dedicated, selfless priest and religious who give life to humanity. but Jesus too was betrayed by his close follower Judas. So in every religion there is Judas like persons. we need to accept the reality and support the priest who do good to humanity.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • lavina,

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    the church should excommunicate the persons who caused the incident. it should be non bailable. But there are very good religious and priest who renders their selfless service to the humanity. let us respect them. we cannot accuse the good ones and put all in one category.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • jr,

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    NO RELIGION IS EXCEPTION TO CRIME BUT IT IS SORRY TO SEE HUMANITY HAS LEAST VALUE AND POLITICS IS AT ITS PEAK WHEN COMPARED TO ATTACKS ON TEMPLE/PRAYER HALLS AND PRIESTS.
    WE ARE LEAST BOTHERED ABOUT HUMANITY. SO THERE IS NO SUCH RESISTANCE FROM COMMUNITY WHEN MURDER IS COMMITTED ON A PRIEST BUT IF THERE IS A SMALL ATTACK ON PRAYER HALL WE WILL MAKE IT A BIG ISSUE ACCUSING THE OTHER RELIGION. THAT SHOWS IT IS NOT FROM HEART BUT FOR POLITICS.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachin Mascarenhas, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Bishop's relationship with their brother priests matter a lot in the smooth functioning of any diocese. Moreover the transfer policies in the dioceses have caused a lot of dissatisfaction among the priests. Bishop's partiality, while giving the transfers is very vivid. The priests who question are always sidelined and the priests who butter have always seen in the good books of Bishops. This should be a wake up call for all the Bishops who are in it...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • pradeep, bangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    It is high time that the bishops have a fixed term and transfers to other diocese. or else bishops should be chosen those who are above 65.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • maxy, kinnigoly/mumbai.

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Patrick Coutinho LAND MARK ACCEPTANCE IN INDIAN HISTORY THAT`LAW OF LAND PRECEDE ANY OTHER(CANNON) LAW`FOR MULTINATIONAL FOREIGN RELIGIONS.AS D BY VATICAN REP. IN GENEVA RECENTLY,LAND OF LAW SHOULD BE APPLIED IN ALL RELIGIOUS MAFIA`S CORRUPT PRACTICES DIRECTLY & INDIRECTLY(THROUGH NOBLES AROUND THEIR TABLES) TO WEED OUT MESS CREATED BY ORGANIZED RELIGIONS IN THE NAME OF RELIGIOUS LAWS OF THEIR OWN.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • jay , chicago

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Fr.KJ was a saintly priest who tried hard to bring about change.KJ was born in kerala, ordained for a tamil nadu diocese and worked in Karnataka. He never favored anyone on the basis of their language or culture. A soft spoken and humane person like KJ would not do anything to bring about personal vengeance. There is something more to the story. One of the story that was going around was that they feared KJ would be made a bishop somewhere. I don't think KJ was killed for land files. They can get that from the land commissioner's office. Why to kill someone for that. There is something more to it may be time and more interrogation will bring about their real motive.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • JEROME D SOUZA, BELA/KASARGOD

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Beliye eddu hola maidare?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Very sad episode.
    But good that culprits are nabbed.
    Culprits have betrayed God and lay people, like JUDAS DID TO JESUS!
    I believe, the Police team has very sensitively and meticulously handled this case!
    As in the scripture, BLIND CAN NOT LEAD BLIND THEY WILL LEAD US TO PIT. These few satanic characters should be exposed and removed from the priesthood and severely punished as per law of the land!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jerome, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    At any cost they should not be given bail at all. it should be non-bailable case. of course by this act automatically they are ex-communicated. No more priests. it is surprising to see the fact a religious that is also the order of Carmelites the age old order of a priest is belongs to this and doing such a nasty act?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • geo, Mangalore, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Send them to PRISON ministry.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Thomas Pascal Andrade, Valencia

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Why surprise when priests are involved in such a ghastly murder of another priest? All that glitters is not gold. While there are many priests who are quite sincere and serve God through humankind, there are some who take priesthood just for their selfish purpose and for them it is their profession. You see the support these alleged murderers have from other like-minded priests. A section of the Kannada speaking priests has planned a demonstration in front of the Archbishop’s Residence over the arrest of these "Kannada speaking priests". For them language is more important than the real purpose of their priesthood. The language politics is a main barrier between Kannada and non-Kannada worshipers in Bangalore where there are often clashes between them and they have a strong backing from some of our dirty-minded priests. Instead of practicing what they preach to the people, they indulge in dirty politics and don't hesitate to kill others. Why bring politics into religion? Jesus has said “My Kingdom is no part of this world" (John 18:36). Do they know the meaning of this scripture?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent George, Bangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    A good job by the Police. It is a blow for the Kannada Movement.
    Fr. Eliyas OCD, who is from Mandya should not have joined, Fr William is a very religious person but WHY!!

    DisAgree [12] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • juliana, udupi

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    The accused priests, Fr Illyas and Fr William Patrick and Peter and others met near the Yeshwantpur circle, which is hardly a km away from the Seminary, on March 31 night and walked up to the seminary ''armed with rods and other deadly weapons.” On reaching the seminary, the accused began to break open the locks of the Seminary rooms and started searching for the documents. While they were searching the documents, Fr Thomas came out of the room and spotted the accused persons and on being questioned, they ''assaulted him leading to his death,” What an idea sirji!!!!!!!!!!! Incredible India. Can't believe anybody. Anything can happen anytime. So many people walking with arms and nobody on the way of a km noticed them to alert the authorities..

    DisAgree [14] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Biju azhakulathil, Balasore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Millions of people's prayers have been answered by the arrest of the culprits. Can we call them as Catholic priests? Do they represent Jesus or Judas? Let the law take its own course. Let justice be done to the victim. It is good that before the 1st Death anniversary itself everything happened in its right track. Let the Authority of the church strip them off their Priesthood. These are the few Priests who spoil the name of the Catholic Church.May Fr. Thomas' Soul rest in peace. Amen

    DisAgree [3] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • cliffy, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Good job by police and Archbishop.
    All people come to know the real culprits at last. They need to be given severe punishment if they are proved guilty. It is also a great lesson for other clergy who fight for power and authority.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joy Thadathil, Chatrapur

    Mon, Mar 24 2014

    I agree with Biju Azakulathil.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Simon D'Mello, Karkal/Dubai

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Oh Lord, Please forgive them. They don't know what they do.

    DisAgree [20] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pavan Kumar, Mangalor

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    Two cruel Fathers killed innocent Father, how cruel and merciless to do this. They are shame to this job. Hang them to death.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mary, INDIA

    Mon, Mar 31 2014


    God is watching every thing and He knows well who is putting the mask and playing the games...human eye is blind BUT NOT GOD'S EYE...He is watching and for how long will the criminal be hiding....he will be disgraced soon...for the prayers of the faithful will never go in vain.....now might escape by putting blame on others un ware the of the God's plan for whoever has committed the crime...

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh shetty, Mlore shj

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    I quote " 5 persons were subjected to narco analysis at the Forensic Security Laboratory (FSL), Ahmedabad in Gujarat,” said the DGP "

    Jossey's progressive govt of Karnataka depends on malnutritioned Gujrath for forensic assistance ..... Hmmmm interesting!

    Wondering which govt to credit here. Only congis may help me.

    RIP F K J Thomas, respect.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • A.prabhu, Mlore

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    I HAVE ALWAYS SAID , THE MOST DANGEROUS PERSON IN THIS WORLD IS THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF GOD.
    THIS SHOULD COME UNDER NON- BAILABLE MR. JOE.
    Verdict and sentence should be in Konkani .

    DisAgree [20] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Agnel, Udupi

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    If the church followed as Paul's First letter to Timothy "Leaders in the church" 3:1-13. It would not happen like this and like the Sister Abaya case in Kerala. It is not an ordinary story book, with the power of holy spirit he wrote this book.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • martin, mysore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    It's time for renewal in the training of seminarians too.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    Do these priests require bail..??? Is it correct to apply for the bail of killers...???? Do these language fanatic priests shall be allowed to climb the Alter in the church...???? According to me NO...!!!???

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford, Mangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    The wrong type of people getting into the vocation of priesthood like other professions is the main cause of these problems. Everyone wants to make money nowadays.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bonifas Bonaventure , Shirthady/Mudabedre

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    Men born evil so their ideas. When evil ideas reaching to the boiling point, irrespective whether priest or non-priest, he exhibits his born evilness. First church should ex-communicate them as soon as possible so that no lawyer can apply bail for them on behalf of the church. What hurt is meticulous planning of those priests took more than one year to nail them yet investigation continues..wise priests still Praising God for their Priesthood and for those who ordained them in the name of.... Politics among the Priests and Nuns is worst than the Congress and BJP.. Please do not be surprised...one of the politics is how priests are favorably transferred as per their wish while poor of them are transferred to poorest church in the villages..all these things they do in whose name...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • anand, bangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    The fence is supposed to protect, if fence itself destroys then it is questionable. let the law take its course and book them. no forgiveness to them.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    Well done police squad in the meantime I urge CBI investigation in church attack issue....

    DisAgree [27] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • john, Mlr

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    Very very sad news. but from the day one it was understood the insider played his role. the Bishop and the provincial must work on the process of dismissal of these two priests and not try to bail them out.
    thank God we still have many many saintly, priests who do so much humanitarian service to the society. Sadly, these suffer the most that too in the hands of their brother priests. i know a priest who, after taking charge of the parish revived all the associations, organized activities for all the sections and paid great attention to the faith aspect. His newly come assistant instigated the youth and turned the parish against the parish priest. The assistant even guided the people to leave the church when the parish priests celebrated Mass and the certain people went away from the church during Mass! worse is other two priest from the parish too began instigating people, poisoning the minds of the authority because their families were part of the agitation. Thankfully, all the accusations against the priest proved false and the trouble stopped when the assistant was transferred!
    Many priests today don't like to appreciate or support priest who are doing well. when a priest is transferred and goes to other parish he finds from the people how his successor is doing hard luck if they tell him he does very good then he starts instigating people. Priest sell themselves today. and at times we the lay support these sellers for our own advantage. we need to tell these instigating priests enup is enup. Priests if you're not happy leave and lead a peaceful life outside, but dont kill, break your brother priest. There is much dirty politics in the church. there is a unhealthy competition among many priests, many think if i dont build i am worthless, greater politics in the transfers. how many priests are taking the example of the present Pope his simplicity, humility, charity.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sujay John Peters, Bangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    We have to accept that the priests also are humans and few years of training in the seminary doesn't change their personality. That is the reason we see drunkards, womanizers, corrupt and cheaters amongst them like any other human groups. You see the same thing in religious people in other religions also. It is high time, we consider them just like humans and stop addressing them reverends or most reverends...they are humans unworthy to be worshiped. We have a good number of honest and sincere priests as well as many laymen who are good and holy. Exceptions are everywhere.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Danny D'souza, Mumbai

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    Unworthy to be worshiped? I just hope you have used the word 'worship' by mistake! We don't worship humans!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Don, Mangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    I'm not suggesting even in the slightest that anything should be ruled in or ruled out. So let's hold comment till then.

    Remember, there is going to be a trial, evidences will be presented in court and arguments made.. until then, every man is innocent till proven guilty.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Luke Vattoly, Bangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    It's heartening to know that the most respected Catholic Priests involved in Ghastly Murder of their own fellow priest who is considered their own brother , a family member.
    I feel that these priests have no respect for the teachings of Christ whom we follow " Gospel means nothing to them"

    I also do not understand why these priests need to be released on Bail, they have confessed of the crime and are vindicated.

    However, it's a shame for the Catholics - Hope this Season of lent
    would renew the minds. God Bless

    DisAgree [3] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    This is indeed a heart rending and sad episode in the history of The Archdiocese of Bangalore. There is a limit to animosity between sections of the clergy. In the bargain the Archbishop has to bear the brunt.

    With regard to getting a lawyer to apply for bail, The Archbishop is doing his duty as he believes in the principle THAT A PERSON IS NOT GUILTY UNTIL HE IS PROVED GUILTY.

    I say kudos to the police who have done a very good job. Having said this let the court decide regarding the guilt of the persons involved.

    Joe Gonsalves

    DisAgree [5] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • vincent miranda, bangalore/mangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    It is disheartening to know people can be killed by someone for language and lust for power and that too coming from a catholic background.(kindly note i have not mentioned them as priests). It is high time this language issue should be decided for the benefit of the devotees who want to pray.A very small section of people can bring very bad name to our community who otherwise have made our nation proud.God. Forgive these people for they do not know what they are doing

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Richard Martis, KROSS Office, Bangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    Thanks God

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • alex, mangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    As a christian so saddened and disappointed with this news , we give so much love,respect and always wish our religious all the best ,when something like this is done by them even the good religious start getting to be looked suspiciously .Religious need to be true to their vocation and not be behind money , property, worldly desires or language.Religious need to adhere to Jesus teaching and guiding principles of their order .With regard to positions there is always a scope for argument, but if we want to be in that order, we should abide decision taken by our elders.As emeritus Pope Benedict said that he is Ok with lesser No of true priests .Should not become a priest if worldly desires can't be controlled .

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    What a shame for religious leaders and what has our society really come to? May they rot in the jail for the rest of their life. Amen!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • satya, mangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    Why these murderers should provide lawyers to get bail.These priests preach people to do good n they involve in hate towards each other.
    Many of my friends are priests and nun's they face lot of problems in their daily work.So much of politics involved while transfer happens and priests have a good life but nun's have to bear lots of difficulties in their life.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [100] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr. Chris Vimalraj, Rome

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    So disheartening to learn that priests were involved in murder. Obviously the Gospel means nothing to them. If language is more important than the Gospel values are these priests really Christians? It is incredible that a priest would even contemplate murder. I would call for the most stringent canonical action, including dismissal from clerical status. If they have confessed to committing the crime, then there is no hope that they might be vindicated.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [116] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vivek, Udupi

    Sat, Mar 22 2014

    What criteria, especially their background, their life in the seminary, taking part in the senseless cause etc, take into consideration when admitting these priests as a student?

    DisAgree [5] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    There are black sheep's in every FAMILY...

    DisAgree [19] Agree [88] Reply Report Abuse

  • A.D.PINTO, Doha-Qatar

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    If these two priests are murderers, then they no longer should be called as 'Father' and moreover catholic church should annul their priesthood immediately facilitating their trial in the case

    DisAgree [6] Agree [98] Reply Report Abuse

  • ALWYN, UDUPI

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    GODS MAN PLAYING WITH GOD

    DisAgree [4] Agree [73] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mangalorian, Mangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    Priest killed priest?unbelieveable,
    Kaliyuga appa kaliyuga...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [85] Reply Report Abuse

  • prp, mangalore

    Fri, Mar 21 2014

    Also arrest the people who have hidden the evidences also.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [77] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Bangalore: Police crack Fr K J Thomas murder case: 3 arrested, more likely



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