Update

Pics: Kevin Rodrigues

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi 

Udupi, Nov 5: The parishioners and other locals of Shirva church submitted an appeal to the sub-inspector of Shirva police station urging him to intensify the investigation and also warned that more vigorous protests will be held in future if no proper action is taken on their petition.

The petition mainly says that immediately after the death of Fr Mahesh D'Souza, the church bells were not rung and the community was not informed. This should have been done as per the rules of the Christian community. The parishioners came to know about the death through social media.

When the parishioners went to the church after hearing the suicide news of Fr Mahesh D'Souza, they were  told that the body was shifted to KMC morgue. When the parishioners checked the parish priest was not available at the premises, says the petition. 

Once a priest is ordained, he becomes the member of the church and his family will not have any right on him. But surprisingly so far neither the parish priest, nor the bishop of the diocese have filed a complaint requesting the investigation in the death of Fr Mahesh, adds the petition. 

When questioned by the parishioners, the bishop of the diocese negated of filing a complaint and the parish priest was silent on the subject. Because of this people, irrespective of religion and caste took out the silent protest, the petition says. 

BJP district president Mattar Ranthankar Hegde also joined the protest along with Carlod Castelino, Dolphy Castelino and Sunil Cabral who led the protest.

People from all communities joined the protest. 

SDPI and some overseas asociations like USWAS Dubai and SWAK Kuwait also rendered support, informed the protesters. 

Earlier report

Udupi: Fr Mahesh D’Souza death case – Protesters begin march to Shirva police station

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi 

Udupi, Nov 5: Protesters demanding probe into the death of Fr Mahesh D’Souza began their march towards Shirva police station on Tuesday, November 5. 

Around 500 protesters gathered at Shirva Church in the morning and began their march. 

Many shops closed shutters when the procession went through the town. 

The protesters will submit a petition at the police station. 

Similar protests were held on November 2 and 3 also in the church premises.