PONDA: Eleven days after 50-year-old Francis Pereira from Curchorem was arrested for his alleged involvement in the desecration of Holy Crosses and religious places, it was a re-run of sorts at Caranzalem cemetery. On Tuesday evening, locals witnessed desecrated Crosses at the cemetery near Fatima Chapel.
Locals confirmed that the day Francis was arrested, the cemetery Crosses were intact.
The incident come to light when one Silveira from Dakne Marcaim had come to visit his wife’s burial site on Tuesday evening. His wife had died six months ago.
Shocked to see the vandalised Cross at his wife’s burial site and several other damaged Crosses in the vicinity, Silveira raised an alarm.
Locals said almost 12 Crosses were found damaged. The police immediately rushed to the spot. The cemetery is 30 years old. Though the locals claimed that the Crosses were intact the day Francis was arrested, when these Crosses were desecrated is not yet clearly known.
Irasmo Aguiar, attorney of Our Lady Fatima Chapel, complained to the police and reitertated that the Crosses in the cemetery were desecrated after Francis was arrested. Marcaim Panch member Suresh Naik condemned the act.
Ponda Police took custody of Francis Pereira from Curchorem Police Station late night today in regard to desecration of crosses at Caranzalem Marcaim late night and investigating whether he played any role into incident.
