In a demeaning act of violence two persons physically attacked the Parish
Priest and Principal of Our Lady of the Poor church and school this morning
around 1024 a.m.
According to an onlooker it is believed that two persons picked up an argument
with the Parish Priest, Fr Lucio Dias aged around 45 years a native of
Cansaulim, who had questioned them over subletting Church premises viz shops to
another for an exhorbitant rent instead of the measely amount they pay to the
Church. It is believed that Fr Dias asked for the premises located in the
Church shopping complex to be returned to the Church authorities if the same
could not be managed by them. This led to the arguments and physical assault,
resulting in the priest being rushed to the Hospital for preliminary treatment.
Following a police complaint by the priest the agitated villagers rushed to the
Church; all bus services came to a halt and the situation turned tense as
there was a concerted demand to have the duo arrested.
In the meanwhile it is believed that some top politico intervened to avert
further unpleasant situation. Not content with the inaction the crowd
ransacked the shops which had a cybercafe STD hairdressing saloon and even set
on fire some vehicles.
The buses resumed operations at 1400 hrs apparently to take care of the
students who are appearing for their matriculation examinations but later at
1600 hrs went off the road again.
Meanwhile there were rumours agog that the priest was killed and this caused
more tension. When this writer got wind of the news; the Police confirmed
telephonically that the priest had received treatment and has moved back safely
to the Parish. Later to get a detailed insight into the incident this writer
spoke to Fr Loilo Pereira from Paco Patriacal Bishops Palace at Altinho + 91
0832 2422652 a few hours ago who confirmed the incident but was not clear on
what was the immediate provocation to necessitate a physical assault.
Further efforts to placate the agitated parishioners is underway when reports
last came in. The Police have taken all necessary precautions to avert a
further unpleasant situation.
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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