NGOs contradict demands, but to probe murder angle of Fr Bismarque
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 19 November 2015 22:44 IST
The issue of the death of Fr Bismarque Dias is getting complicated with several NGOs coming together and making varied demands, sometimes contradictory to each other, but with a common intention - police must probe the murder angle!
While Goa government has already handed over the case to the crime branch of Goa police, groups are still demanding that competent police officer, having a good track record, should investigate the case.
People at village level, on the other hand, are voluntarily organising candle light vigils, echoing the demand of probing murder angle.
Till date, police have registered Fr Bismarque’s death as accidental while one of the autopsy reports has stated he died due to drowning and both autopsy reports stated that injuries on his body are post-death.
The candle light vigils have been organised till date in Panaji, Vasco, Siolim, Mapusa, St Cruz, Goa Velha, Cortalim, Arossim etc while people are still planning for more.
Justice for Fr Bismarque, a group which claimed of having support of 25 NGOs, today announced that they will have a protest Dharna on 21 November at the ferry jetty in Panaji at 3.30 pm.
Kennedy Afonso, who managed to bring together several NGOs together through Facebook page and personal contacting, even demanded a third ‘independent’autopsy of Fr Bismarque by some eminent forensic experts from outside Goa.
Pilern Citizens’ Forum has already demanded a CBI inquiry into Fr Bismarque death, alleging that the Goa police have failed to investigate the case in proper direction.
Incidentally, some of the leaders of Pilern Citizens’ Committee were also present at today’s press conference, which demanded a probe by a competent police officer, and not the CBI.
The press conference was attended even by leaders like Fr Eremito Rebello and Adv Swati Kerkar.
Besides this, some social activists have also formed another WhatsApp group called Green Brigade, again involving same NGOs and social activists.
Sabina Martins, convenor of Goa Bachao Abhiyan, did not attend today’s press conference but has convened a meeting of all the NGOs tomorrow to review and take a stand in view of the probe being handed over to the crime branch.
The GBA, in association with all the NGOs, had earlier planned a public meeting at Azad Maidan in Panaji on 28 November.
However, Martins said they would review the decision in view of the government imposing section 144 in the whole city, during IFFI.
They are now planning to shift the venue of protest.
“We are trying to co-ordinate with all the NGOs and bring them together, so that all could make common demands in one voice”, said Martins.
The doubt about the crime will persist even if the matter is handed over to CBI or RAW. Best option is to engage international agencies provided all the NGOs agree on that. In any case doubt will have to be raised again and again endlessly till new issue comes.