Women stage protest over assault on woman

Mariat Pinto (51), the assaulted lady sustained serious injuries on her head and mouth, who is recovering in a private hospital here.

According to a complaint filed by Pinto with Kadri police, she was assaulted by one Clifford D’Souza (43), the proprieter of Ancila Bakery located near Kulashekar (Cordel) Church.
Pinto in her complaint has stated that she was returning from Kulashekar Church to her home when the incident took place. “I was about to purchase milk from a shop which was near to Ancila Bakery. All of a sudden the bakery owner Clifford D’Souza approached me and started scolding with foul words. He hit me on my mouth first and then dashed my head against the wall,” she explained in the complaint.

Soon after the incident, a localite found Pinto shocked with blood on her head and immediately took her to the hospital.

“Clifford D’Souza is a member of United Christians Association, a newly formed body, which is intolerant of the church priest and the activities here. His group was found distributing handbills against the church priest on Sunday. D’Souza has grudge against Pinto for she was active in the activities of the church,” Sushil Noronha, a community leader told Deccan Herald.
Angered by the incident, around hundred women gathered near the church by Monday evening and staged a protest. They raised slogans against D’Souza and demanded his arrest. However, he is absconding according to police.

Kadri Sub Inspector Chikkaswamy said an FIR has been registered and the police are carrying out investigations. Interestingly, Clifford D’Souza went to the police station much ahead of Pinto’s complaint was filed and gave his statements. “He has admitted in writing that he assaulted the lady,” the SI said.