Priest says it is an act of mischief
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: A religious grotto was vandalised by miscreants at Cuncolim last night, drawing protests and condemnation from citizens. The miscreants damaged the glass frame of the grotto, beside a title on the structure.
The incident came to light on Friday morning when the grotto installed near the St Francis Xavier Chapel close to the market was found damaged. Cuncolim Municipal ward Councillor Polita Carneiro immediately informed the Cuncolim police who later rushed to the spot to conduct a panchanama.
“The incident must have occurred in the night. May be someone under the influence of liquor has damaged the grotto,” Polita said.
Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Fr Manuel Fernandes, who visited the site in the morning, said the incident should not have occurred when St Francis Xavier is being revered by all. “The miscreants have broken the glass and the tile. We do not suspect anyone, but we would pray to God to enlighten the minds of such people. I feel that this is an act of mischief and not against religion,” he said.
A local resident Assiz Noronha said the incident appeared to be handiwork of miscreants to disturb the communal amity amongst people. The government should take cognisance of the incident and try to nip it the bud.
