PANJIM: Three youth from different parts of Goa on Sunday afternoon “symbolically took the plunge” and swam across Mandovi in order to seek justice for Fr Bismarque. Sudip Dalvi a close friend and associate of Fr Bismarque Dias, Albert Fernandes and Vixal Raw crossed the river with a theme to get justice for the late social worker.
Speaking to Herald, Dalvi said Fr Bismarque, throughout his life, had always fought to protect nature and the identity of Goa, “it is our way to show that the unfinished fight of Bismarque cannot be muzzled and will continue.”
Dalvi also said by crossing the river, they want to send a clear message to the government for a thorough probe, failing which the authorities will have to face public ire.
Vixal Raw another swimmer said, “we are concerned about water and swimming is a way to engage with the nature.”
Raw said he had met Fr Bismarque only once and was highly impressed with his work to protect the environment and nature. He said Fr Bismarque’s mission which is incomplete will be taken forward by people like us.
“Of course, the main cause of swimming was to get justice for Fr Bismarque and to open the eyes of the government and the police,” he said.
The swimmers said in unison that Fr Bismarque was a good swimmer and he could not have drowned and that too in Mandovi. He knew Mandovi in and out and especially the place where his body was found.
“Mother Mandovi cannot kill Fr Bismarque. He has contributed a lot towards her life,” they concluded.
Fr Bismarque died at St Estevam on November 6 in mysterious circumstances and the body was fished out from Mandovi after he was reportedly missing early on November 5. Family members have so far not claimed the body for final rites demanding thorough investigation and demanded the Crime Branch to take up the probe.
Whereas Goa Police and Chief Minister himself has ruled out any foul play and possibility of a murder. The exact cause of the death could not be established even after the second autopsy at GMC, however the viscera has been sent for the chemical analysis at Hyderabad.
