Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi 

Udupi, Nov 28: Though speedy probe in Fr Mahesh D’Souza suicide case was assured by the police officers during the protest held at Shirva Church premises earlier this month, the FSL report is still awaited, according to investigation officer and Kaup police circle inspector Mahesh Prasad. 

Speaking exclusively to Daijiworld.com, Mahesh Prasad, said, "We are investigating the case. The FSL report may come within a week. Many persons associated with late Fr Mahesh D'Souza, family members and many others have been already interrogated. Around 50 persons have been questioned so far. Fr Mahesh D'Souza's mobile phone has also been sent for forensic tests," 

It is learnt that, Sunil Cabral, Cornald Castelino and others who were in the forefront during the protest, met Basavaraj Bommai, home minister of Karnataka, recently. They have appealed to the government for a fair enquiry. Sunil Kumar, MLA Karkala and Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, president Udupi district BJP, were also part of this delegation. 

Some sources claim that after this meeting with home minister, the investigation has taken further speed. But Mahesh Prasad says “There is no political pressure in relation to this case. Some people have submitted an appeal to the home minister for a fair enquiry recently. Investigation is carried out in a fair manner. Soon we may get clarity about the whole incident.”  

Reacting to some report that appeared in a newspaper stating that data of Fr Mahesh D'Souza's mobile phone were erased, Mahesh Prasad said "As it is an Apple iphone It is not so easy to erase all the data from that mobile. These mobile phones have high-security systems. If anything such has happened, then it will appear in the forensic reports. The mobile phone has been sent to forensic investigation in Bengaluru and the report is soon expected,’’  

As it is a high profile case, police are also not ready to reveal any names or more information at the moment. Daijiworld has learnt that, persons closely associated with late Fr Mahesh D'Souza, including some priests are being questioned by the police. 

The death of Fr Mahesh was considered as suicide based on the initial post-mortem report. It is not known why the FSL report is delayed as it is almost 50 days since the incident took place. Police source say that the report cannot be expected on urgent basis.