Mangalore: Raphael Raj released; apologizes for statement against Archbishop
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Update: June 4
Mangalore, Jun 4: Raphael Raj, chief secretary of Akhila Karnataka Catholic Christara Kannada Sangha, who was taken into custody on Tuesday June 3 on charges of levelling allegations against Bangalore Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras, was released at around midnight.
Raphael was taken into custody by the Bunder police based on a complaint, after he accused the Archbishop of being 'involved' in the murder case of Fr K J Thomas, rector of St Peter's Pontifical Seminary. Speaking at a press meet in the city, Raphael had demanded CBI probe into the case.
The police said that Raphael was released as holding a press meet was not sufficient grounds for arrest, and that it was a non-cognizable offence, hence no FIR was filed.
Speaking to daijiworld, Stany Alvares, president of Konkani Prachar Sanchalan, said that as per law, Raphael could only be questioned and not produced in court. "We will file a defamation suit against Raphael," he said.
He further said that the protest on Tuesday night was withdrawn as Raphael tendered an apology in writing, in which he admitted that he had levelled the allegations against the Archbishop without any proof.
Earlier Update: June 3
Mangalore: Allegations against Archbishop - Raphael Raj taken into custody
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jun 3: Raphael Raj, chief secretary of Akhila Karnataka Catholic Christara Kannada Sangha was taken into custody here on Tuesday June 3, shortly after he made allegations against Bangalore Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras in connection with the murder of Fr K J Thomas, rector of St Peter's Pontifical Seminary, and demanded CBI probe into the case.
Raphael Raj was taken into custody by the Bunder police after a complaint was filed by Christian Konkani leaders in the city, including Konkani Prachar Sanchalan president Stany Alvares and Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino.
In a statement, Roy Castelino said, "The police who have efficiently investigated the murder of Fr K J Thomas recently arrested three accused, and are taking futher action according to law. In the midst of this, with a vicious motive to spark enmity between people over language issue and to mislead the investigation, Raphael Raj from Bangalore levelled baseless accusations against Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras that he was involved in the murder.
"The allegations are completely false and have hurt the sentiments of the entire Christian community of Karnataka. Immediate action has to be taken against Raphael Raj for making such irresponsible statements and against those instigating him from behind the scenes," he said.
Speaking to daijiworld, Stany Alvares said, "Raphael Raj is from Bangalore, but today he called a press meet in Mangalore and without any proof, levelled accusations against the Archbishop. Police have already arrested the accused persons in the case and investigation is on.
"He could have held the press meet in Bangalore. Mangalore is a sensitive place. There are many Christians here who speak different languages, but all of them live in harmony. The entire Christian community is hurt by the allegations. We will also file a defamation case against him," he added.
However, it was learnt that the police, after questioning Raphael, decided not to arrest him. Following this, a crowd gathered at the police station and began a flash protest demanding his arrest. The protestors shouted slogans against Raphael and strongly condemned his statements.
Higher police officials arrived at the spot, and after holding discussions , the protest was called off. Raphael is still in custody and being questioned.
Earlier Report
Mangalore: Catholic Kannada Sangha demands CBI probe into Fr K J Thomas case
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)
Mangalore, Jun 3: The Akhila Karnataka Catholic Christara Kannada Sangha, Bangalore, on Tuesday June 3 demanded CBI inquiry into the murder of Fr K J Thomas, rector of St Peter's Pontifical Seminar, Bangalore. The association also demanded that Archbishop of Bangalore be taken into custody for investigation.
Fr K J Thomas was murdered in the seminary on the night of March 31, 2013. Almost a year later, three persons, including two priests, were arrested in connection to the case in March this year.
Addressing a press meet here, Raphael Raj, chief secretary of the association, said, "The murder case of Fr K J Thomas must be handed over to CBI. The priests who have been arrested are innocent and must be immediately released, and Bangalore Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras, Bangalore Cathedral Church's Fr Antony Swamy and Bangalore diocese estate committee president Ronald D’Souza must be taken into custody for investigation. We have also urged chief minister Siddaramaiah to take action in this regard."
He further said, "After investigations, it is clear that this was a murder done for property, and also it is clear that Dr Bernard Moras was involved. Soon after the murder, the Bangalore CCB took up the investigation and about 4 to 5 months back, the CM had urged the police to speed up the investigation and complete it within the next 3 months.
"There are lots of facts which have not been investigated, like Fr K J Thomas who was in charge of St Peter's Seminary was getting a low stipend for maintaining the seminary, taking care of food expenses for the students, electricity bill and other expenses of the seminary," he added.
"Fr K J Thomas had approached the Archbishop regarding tenancy for a portion of property belonging to St Peter's Seminary, so as to generate funds for the upkeeping of the institution. The Archbishop had asked Fr K J Thomas to meet Ronald D’Souza who is advisor to the estate committee for help.
"The emails of Bishop of Bangalore and the consortium of Bishops for the seminary have not been probed. Land survey has not been done to establish the encroachment that has taken place after his murder, and this angle also has not been investigated," he added.
"After a week of the demise of K J Thomas a lot financial transactions have taken place within the St Peter's Seminary premises which also have to be investigated. The personal accounts of various office-bearers belonging to St Peter's Seminary have not been investigated. The personal accounts of Archbishop Dr Benard Moras, Ronald D’Souza and other members of the estate committee have not been investigated either," he said.
"Hence the case must be handed over to the CBI and thorough investigation has to be carried out," he reiterated.