Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Feb 19: The proceedings of the B K Somashekhar Commission, which was appointed by the state government to probe the incidents of attacks on churches and prayer centres, continued on the third day in the court hall of Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner's office here on Wednesday February 18. On the third day, it took up complaints regarding attacks and disturbances.
Padua College principal Michael Monteiro, Anil D'Souza from Fajir, Bhanumati, a fish vendor from Suratkal Guddekopla, religious head Mauli Aarons from Kankanadi, Leo D'Souza from Fajir, Alukkas D'Souza from in front of Tokkottu Church etc., were examined. All those examined in the morning and afternoon sessions were witnesses relating to various incidents. The commission examined them to check the veracity of the details shown in the complaints filed with it through affidavits.
Lucas D'Souza said that policemen accompanied by Bajrang Dal workers intercepted him, when he was coming in an ambulance. Leo D'Souza too supported this statement. Joseph D'Souza, providing supplemental evidence, said that the bell of the church was not rung for the purpose of alerting Christians to gather at once in the church premises
Commission counsel Dr Channakeshava, S Renuka, public prosecutor Narayan Reddy too took part in the proceedings. On behalf of the complainants, Ibahim represented the Christians and Satischandra appeared on behalf of the Bajrang Dal. Commission secretary Vidyashankar and legal advisor Hemalata Mahishi too were present.
In the interests of the public, the hearing will take place in phases, Justice Somashekhar said in reply to a question raised by a lawyer.