CANACONA
A Shiv Premi has lodged a complaint at Canacona Police Station accusing Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira of making objectionable statements on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and hurting the sentiments of Goans.
In his complaint on a letter-head of Shivjayanti Samaroah Samittee, Canacona, Samrat Sharad Bhagat of Canacona mentioned the objectionable portion of a sermon (in Konkani and translated into English in the complaint), which went viral on various social platforms including WhatsApp.
Bhagat said he and Shiv Premis across Goa were disturbed over the utterance of a priest.
“The video clip which has gone viral has hurt the sentiments of Shiv Premis in particular and all Goans irrespective of caste or creed, created discord, given rise to suspicion and anger and was unwarranted to say the least,” states the complaint.
Police were informed that the complainant’s inquiries had revealed that the priest in question is Fr Bolmax Pereira, priest at the St Francis Xavier Church in Chicalim.
The complainant has demanded an FIR against Fr Pereira, the immediate removal of all objectionable portions of the sermon in circulation on various social media platforms, a public apology and action against the priest.
A CD containing a recording of the sermon by the priest has also been handed over to the police. It is claimed that the objectionable portion was part of a homily delivered by Fr Bolmax and reportedly uploaded on the official YouTube channel of SFX Chicalim.
According to sources, the Hindhavi Swaraj Sangathana, a Ponda-based organisation, has also filed a police complaint against Fr Bolmax Pereira at the Ponda police station.
In another complaint at the Ponda Police Station, one Rupesh Dessai of Sancorda said the viral video clip is aimed at creating hatred and disturbing peace and harmony amongst different communities. Dessai said he is a member of 96 Kuli Kshatriya Maratha Samaj, Dharbondara.
A similar complaint has also been filed by Namrata Ichit Phaldessai at the Quepem Police station.
Sources informed that other Shivjayanti Samaroah Samithis from across the State will file complaints against Fr Pereira at their respective police stations.
Copies of the police complaint have also been forwarded to the Governor, Chief Minister, Archbishop’s House, Collectors and senior police officials, demanding action in the matter.
