Probe ordered on Orissa priest's death

Orissa Police has ordered a crime branch investigation into the death of Father Bernard Digal who succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, October 28.

Father Bernard was a victim of anti–Christian violence in Kandhamal district that flared up with the assassination of a Hindu leader. On August 24, he was attacked by an angry mob with crowbars and sticks.

"His death is partially due to the injuries he suffered during violence. He was so badly beaten up that his entire body had wound marks," says Father Joseph Kalathil, Vicar General, Orissa.

Police said action would not be taken against the attackers unless an FIR is being filed. However it was Orissa DG who ordered a crime branch investigation into the attack and death of the 47–year–old priest.

Fr. Manoj Digal, a cousin of the victim recalls "since December, Fr Bernard worked tirelessly with the Kandhamal Christians who were suffering violence and humiliation, His virtues of humility, forgiveness, inherent justice, goodness and self–sacrificing love will nourish the faith of our people."

The Christian prelate on Saturday, October 25, was taken to St Thomas Hospital in Chennai, where doctors operated on him to remove a blood clot from his brain, caused by the beating on the night he was attacked.

The mortal remains of Fr Bernard will be laid to rest on Oct 31st 2008 at the St Vincent's Church Bhubaneshwar.