Mangalore: Church Attack- Somashekara Commission Resumes Inquiry
Pics by Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network
MANGALORE, Jun 9 (The Hindu): A few of the 13 witnesses, who deposed before Justice B. K. Somashekara Commission of Inquiry which resumed its sitting here on Monday, alleged that Bajrang Dal was responsible for the attacks on prayer halls in Dakshina Kannada in September, 2008.
The commission began hearing the case for the second time here on Monday. Its first hearing was in February.
The Government had constituted the commission to “inquire into the sequence of events and circumstances leading to attack on the places of worship and incidents that occurred in September 2008 in Dakshin Kannada and other districts.” Hemalatha Mahishi, the legal advisor to the commission, recorded the statements of witnesses on Monday. In her introductory remarks, Ms. Mahishi said that the commission had received 995 affidavits from across the State with regard to the attacks on prayer halls.
In Dakshina Kannada, 551 cases have been filed relating to the attacks. Anthony Rodrigues, pastor of Mahima Prarthanalaya, Belthangady, alleged that a group of people attacked the prayer hall on September 15, shouting “Jai Bajrang Dal, Jai Sri Ram, Yesuvige dhikkara.” The pastor, however, told the commission that he could not identify them, as they had covered their faces.
C. Christella, a retired teacher from Vamanjoor, charged the Bajrang Dal with being responsible for the incidents. When Ibrahim, her legal counsel, asked her to elaborate on how she came to such a conclusion, she said she learnt about the organisation’s involvement through electronic media. Asked about a reference to “Hindu mulabhutavadigala sanghatanegalu” in her affidavit given to the commission, Ms. Christella said she was referring to the Bajrang Dal.
Melville Pinto, a businessman, alleged that police used teargas shells past their expiry date on protesters on the premises of Milagres church on September 14. He said that he was exposed to the shell and was still having health problems caused by it.
Pinto said that Christians faced a threat to their lives in Mangalore. Fear of attacks on churches was looming large. “I also want protection,” he said.
Ronald D’Souza, a businessman from Kalladka, said that a few people attacked him and his shop there on September 15. He identified five people, who were allegedly involved in the attack. But he did not know their names. He demanded a compensation of Rs. 75,000.