Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Mar 10: Relating to a plea put forth by the advocates representing Christians, to provide them with copies of the controversial book, ‘Satyadarshini’, Justice B K Somashekhara Commission, probing church attacks in the state, will be announcing its decision on Wednesday March 10. It may be recalled that the Hindu outfits had cited ‘Satyadarshini’, which allegedly contains blasphemous and hate remarks about Hindu gods and goddesses, stated to have been authored by a Christian writer, as one of the provocations for their anger.
During the hearing of Walter Maben, representing Karnataka Mission Network on Tuesday, a detailed discussion on ‘Satyadarshini’ ensued. Lawyers like Nova Bethany, B Ibrahim and Francis, who appeared on behalf of the Christian witnesses, put forth a demand for providing them copies of the controversial book, as it is one of the main evidences in the inquiry into church attacks. They argued that it is difficult to subject the witnesses to cross examination, without knowing the contents of this book.
However, advocates Narayan Reddy, who is appearing on behalf of the policemen, besides T P Srinivas and Preasanna Deshpande, opposed the demand. They expressed the apprehension that providing the copies of the book may cause its further circulation, which might create serious law and order problem. Justice Somashekhara observed that the work in question is the basis on which Mahendra Kumar, Bajrang Dal leader, had made certain charges. Moreover, under the Rights to Information Act, copies of the same can be obtained from the court, he noted. Saying that a final decision on the request would be given on Wednesday, he adjourned the hearing of Walter Maben. On this occasion, Walter Maben provided CDs stated to contain statements issued by Mahendra Kumar and Jagadish Shenava, destruction of vehicles by policemen and attacks on churches.
Pastor M S Samraj was cross examined on Tuesday during the hearing. Replying to the questions raised by Narayan Reddy, Samraj said that two policemen of Kavoor police station had been posted at his church during the church attack days, and said he does not know that two policemen were injured in the incidents at his church. He also feigned ignorance over a case registered in Kavoor police station in this connection.
Rita D’Almeida, Andrew Lobo and Charles Rego too appeared before the Comission on Tuesday.