VASCO: Goans for Dabolim Only (GFDO) convenor Fr Eremito Rebello has accused the government and police of not taking Fr Bismarque Dias’ death seriously.
He stated that Fr Bismarque had received death threats shortly before he died and that the activist had lodged two complaints at the Old Goa police in this regard. Despite this, he alleged, Old Goa police were not investigating the case from the murder angle.
Addressing a gathering of over 400 people who took part in a candlelight procession in Cortalim on Friday evening, Fr Rebello stated, “It is a fact that Fr Bismarque, who was working tirelessly to protect the environment, had many enemies. He had even lodged a complaint with Old Goa police on two occasions. It is very disappointing that the police are not looking at the murder angle and are actually trying to prove that he drowned. This is similar to what happened a few years ago at Arrossim. The police, without proper investigation, had declared the cause of death of an Arrossim youth as drowning. The case was reopened only after public outcry.”
He continued, “The State government has to start making genuine efforts to solve the mysterious death of Fr Bismarque Dias. Otherwise, we will not keep quiet. We will fight until justice is given to Fr Bismarque.”
Cortalim local Mariano Dias, who was unable to control his tears, said that Fr Bismarque’s death could have been avoided if the government was “good”. He demanded that the government ensure the investigation is steered in the right direction and the culprits are punished severely.
He added, “Like Fr Bismarque Dias, our own Fr Eremito Rebello has been taking up social issues. The government should create an environment in which social activists feel safe to take up issues on behalf of the people.”
