Nature, extent of attack colossal: Panel

Allegations of attack on Adoration Monastery true

The Commission on Tuesday released the details of the probe report, to media. It submitted the 1,000-page report to the Government on last Friday.

The report said the attack was on the two nuns and two inujured eye witnesses physically, mentally and sentimentally. The nature and extent of the attack is colossal and difficult to assess. The attackers or miscreants are said to be the aggrieved Hindus due to conversions by Christians and maligning Hindus and Hindu religion however to be decided ultimately.

The prosecution against the culprits shall be pursued with all seriousness by the government by appointing special public prosecutor. The government must sympathise with the Christian sentiments. The police have failed to protect the Church whenever required, but shall continue to watch and protect with special attention.

The government, the ruling party and the local cabinet rank ministers have no involvement directly or indirectly in the attacks, the report said.

Melvil Pinto:

The Commission has recommended serious action against Melvil Pinto, petitioner in the attack on St Lawrence Church at Bondel in Mangalore. The commission has taken exception to his conduct while hearing his petition. He reportedly made scathing remarks against the district administration.

The commission states, “His conduct reflects his cynical, cryptic and vilifying attitude against the government or ruling BJP or top officers of the district administration”. Further the commission said, “He appears to think of a parallel government with the advice of certain unconstitutional persons with improprieties in their action”.

It also refers to the proceedings initiated against him under the Goonda Act and recommends the government to pass a law to curb “such activities of persons like Pinto, which are likely to demoralise the public interest and public administration”. It added if Pinto files any written unconditional apology, action against him need not be pursued.

Milagres Church:

The police had resorted to lathi-charge and bursting tear gas shells when Christians aggrieved by attack on Adoration Monastery, protested. The commission said there was no basis for allegations that police acted excessively while exercising their duties. None of the protesters were injured in the incident. It also ruled out role of the BJP in the incident. But, it said, “It is in the evidence that provocative speeches by political leaders present at the time, specially Congress leaders, aggravated the situation”.

Referring to the ‘Assembly of God’ Church, at Nettana in Puthur, the commission said the persons involved in the attack are the accused in the chargesheet before the court. Neither Sangh Pariwar nor Bharang Dal have anything to do with the attack. Possibility of the petitioner attempting conversions under hte guise of holding prayers in the Church may not be ruled out which the police and district administration should watch.

The government should regulate the financial and other activities of the petitioner regarding this Church through proper inquiry as per law, but should ensure all protection for religious activities. The loss due to the damages to the Church and the items should be compensated.

In case of Believers Church of India, the report said the miscreants attacking the Church are - Dinesh Kumar, Umesh, Santosh Kumar, Rajesh and Mohan Das alias Kumar as per the investigation and prosecution regarding which the concerned court has to hold a trial.

However, the commission has no material to fix the identity and will accept the police investigation.

Panel’s finding on church attacks in Udupi district

* Carmelite Ashram, Kundapur: Allegations of conversion by this institution and the churches in Udupi district are true.
* Life & Light Ministries Church, Shiroor: Invovlement of workers of Bajrang Dal lead by Mahendra Kumar is probable and appears to be true.
* Allegations of conversions by petitioner Ahraham, his men and their maligning of Hindu religion enraged Hindus are true. The district administration should act against him as per law.
* New Life Fellowship, Udupi: The attackers are the persons alleged and prosecuted by the police; Bajarang Dal worekrs among the attackers appears to be probable.
* Alleged activities of conversions by Pastor Gopinathan under the guise of attarcting Hindus appears to be probable and true.