17th century church desecrated in Goa

The west-central state of Goa is the latest victim of aggression after unknown miscreants desecrated a 17th century church on Sunday night.

Media reported that St Anthony Church at Cabo de Rama was seen ransacked with its statues displaced on Monday afternoon when the church's sacristan Piedade Antonio Fernandes permitted a couple for a thanksgiving prayer.

Fernando found the idols of Jesus Christ, Mother Mary and St Anthony moved to the foot of the altar and some scribbled words on Bibles near the statues which read - "Magic=Jaddue". Below it was written "Archaeological Survey of India, means Banguali in the name of father and the son the holy spirit Amen 03/08/09."

The incident seemed more like a protest registered against the church's moves, said police. Apparently, the local panchayat had earlier resolved not to hand over the church to the Archaelogical Survey of India. This might have led to the desecration, they observed.

A case has been registered against unknown persons under Sections 295, 295 (A) and 153 (A) IPC. A Special Investigation Team has been set up to probe the incident.

Meanwhile, the incident was taken seriously by the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. BJP Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar expressed his anguish and said the police was to be blamed for the incident.