Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Oct 16: Exactly 24-hours after the final rites of Fr Mahesh D’Souza, assistant parish priest of Shirva church and principal of Don Bosco School, the details about the possible reason for suicide have started emerging after police speeded up the investigations into high-profile death case.
Earlier there were rumours and reports that, Fr Mahesh D’Souza was upset about his possible transfer from Don Bosco School to Kanajar. But authorities in Udupi diocese have strictly refuted the charges and clarified that there were no such written or oral orders for Fr Mahesh, and especially in the middle of the academic year, no such practices are followed for transfer.
The new details Daijiworld gathered from highly reliable sources add a new twist to the episode. A powerful political leader from the same area and from same community is alleged to be the prime suspect in Fr Mahesh D’Souza suicide case, though no death note was found. The primary post-mortem report also revealed that the reason for the death is suicide. However official report from authority is still awaited.
According to Daijiworld sources, two persons have already recorded their statements with local police station about the incidents that took place just before the Fr Mahesh's suicide act, between 8 and 9 pm on October 11, 2019.
Around four people visited church premises. One among them is the local political leader. He came with his minor son and two others who together came to threaten Fr Mahesh D’Souza. But they did not find Fr Mahesh there. One of them, allegedly in drunken state, warned the witness there to bring Fr Mahesh immediately and said or else he will be 'eliminated'.
"I have several cases against me. I also have influence in police station. My bail is ready, I will finish Mahesh. I will ring the church bells and expose him,” were the words reportedly uttered by the political leader who threatened Fr Mahesh in his absence. It is learnt that, Fr Mahesh was in school chamber at that time. But it is not sure if he had already committed suicide by then or he did so later after learning about the threat from these people.
The CCTV footages of these people, who visited the church premises as explained above, are available and going to be key evidence for the arrest of the persons.
Since the investigation is on, Daijiworld cannot reveal the names of accused persons or witnesses. At the same time, Daijiworld is trying to find the exact reason behind the 'Threat' or 'Blackmail'.
Daijiworld has learnt that superintendent of police is personally monitoring the case, and has assured strict action against culprits very soon.
Speaking to Daijiworld, an Udupi diocese priest, who requested anonymity, said, "Fr Mahesh is not the person who would commit suicide for a small reason of 'Transfer'. He was very strong. We the priests are supposed to obey the orders and follow the rule. But I feel there are some sensitive issues behind the suicide."
At the same time, Udupi diocese has appealed to people to stop spreading the rumours and stop circulating 'fake' contents.
"We have full faith in our police force and judiciary. Let us all wait for the truth to emerge." said another priest from Udupi diocese.
On Tuesday, October 15, over 10,000 people paid final respect to deceased priest as he was widely acclaimed teacher and priest in Udupi diocese. He reportedly had excellent relationship with his seniors and heads of Udupi diocese clergies.