Archbishop seeks speedy probe into rector's murder

Archbishop of Bangalore Archdiocese, Bernard Moras, on Friday, sought speedy investigation into Father K J Thomas murder.

He said St Peter’s Pontifical seminary was directly placed under the Vatican. So since that day, the Vatican through its ambassador in India and Bishop Conference of India has shown keen interest and concern regarding the case and to bring out the truth behind the gruesome murder.

While the police are trying their best to crack the case, it was sad that there was no breakthrough in the case even after 18 days. Meanwhile, Investigating Officer Purushottam, who was Inspector of Police, Yeshwanthpur, has been transferred on recommendations of the election commission.

The Archbishop said he had also met Governor H R Bharadwaj requesting him to ensure speedy investigation into the case.

Asked whether he had demanded a CBI enquiry, he said the investigation team had met him the day before and assured of cracking the case at the earliest. He also read out the will and last testament of Father K J Thomas, rumoured to be a possible motive for murder according to media reports. He said the will was only half page long and simple.

The will was prepared and registered on February 1, 2012 and states that the land he inherits from his father would go to his only brother, while his fixed deposits and money  would be equally distributed between his brother and three sisters, St Peters Pontifical Seminary and Uttakamund Diocese.

He has willed all his books, computers and other valuables to the seminary and named the procurator and administrator of the seminary as executioners of the will.

Archbishop said all the students would only return when the seminary reopens on June 1, stating additional security measures would be taken.  A candle-light vigil near Cole’s park in front of St Cathedral Church was organised on Tuesday.