Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jun 11: Shortly after holding a protest against cow slaughter in front of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, here on Sunday June 11 that disturbed the church mass, Franklin Monteiro, who is the president of Rashtriyavadi Kristara Vedike, allegedly threatened parish priest of Bondel Fr Andrew D'Souza.
The Rashtriyavadi Kristana Vedike on Sunday morning held a noisy protest against cow slaughter and cow theft, disturbing the mass and the devotees who had gathered in hundreds. The protestors also alleged that they were denied support by the church and community leaders in their protest. The protestors faced flak from community leaders and devotees for holding their agitation in front of the church when mass was going on.
File Photo
It is learnt that soon after the protest, Franklin Monteiro came to the church along with Oswald D'Cunha, and without permission they pushed open the door and entered the church office, after which they started abusing the parish priest with vulgar words.
Franklin Monteiro allegedly raised his voice and demanded to know why Fr Andew had not attended the protest held by the Vedike during the mass in front of the church.
Parishioner and community leader Stany Alvares who was present in the church office with Fr Andrew tried to stop Franklin from abusing the parish priest. However, Franklin allegedly continued with the abuses and threatened Fr Andrew, warning that he will not let go of the matter and will 'see him later'.
Regarding the incident, a complaint has been lodged against Franklin Monteiro and Oswald D'Chunha in Kankanady rural police station.
Parishioners and devotees, on learning about the incident, expressed deep disappointment with Franklin and his Rashtriyavadi Kraistara Vedike.