Several members of the Catholic community and political leaders condemned the incident and called for immediate action in the case.
Newsroom (26/01/2023 5:11 PM, Gaudium Press) Mumbai police this past Sunday arrested a 22-year-old man for vandalizing 18 crosses and tombstones at a Catholic cemetery attached to St. Michael’s Church in Mumbai, India last Saturday.
Based on a complaint filed by church authorities, and after reviewing internal circuit TV footage, police were able to identify the suspect Dawood Ansari, who was presented to a local court on Sunday and sent to police custody.
Deputy Commissioner of Police and head of the investigation team, Manoj Patil, stated, “We have arrested Ansari from Kalamboli for his involvement in vandalizing crosses in the cemetery. He works with his uncle, who owns a mattress store in Navi Mumbai. So far, the reason behind his act is not clear.”
Patil also said that “it was a serious offense, and the police are looking into all the facts, including the possibility that the accused is allegedly involved in a conspiracy with others.”
According to the footage, the accused entered the cemetery by climbing the wall and carried a marble-like object in his hand, with which he vandalized the crosses. He then went to the church and sat there for a while before leaving.
Police reported that after the death of his mother, Ansari stopped believing in God. “Certain things came to light during the investigation that cannot be shared as the case is related to a local religious person.”
In a statement, the Archdiocese of Bombay deplored the act of vandalism: “It is regrettable and painful that the tombs of Catholics have been vandalized in St. Michael’s Church. The sentiments of the community are deeply hurt as this act not only involves the destruction of religious objects but also disrespect for the dead. The police are investigating the incident, and we remain hopeful that the perpetrator of this cruel crime will be punished. [While the Church appreciates the support and assistance of various groups, we strictly do not wish to give this act a communal tone. We are certain that those involved will be arrested soon.”
At a Catholic forum, Godfrey Pimenta, a prominent Catholic leader and trustee of the NGO Watchdog Foundation, pointed out:
“Symbols of Christianity are being attacked repeatedly. In the past, we have made several calls to the Mumbai police to increase patrols in and around religious sites. We repeat and reiterate our demand that the state government should install surveillance cameras in all places of worship as a matter of urgency.
Compiled by Angelica Vecchiato
