BOX
BROTHER'S PUBLIC APPEAL
We deeply appreciate the untiring work of well-wishers, in and out of Goa, fighting for justice. However, it is our earnest appeal that the good fight continues and continues in a gentle, non-violent manner, with no religious barriers, and with joy in our hearts - both, on the ground and online
- Mario Dias, Bismarque’s brother
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The family of Bismarque Dias has, in a public appeal asked the protesters to continue the fight in a gentle and non-violent manner even as they have expressed the hope that the public pressure would result in a thorough investigation.
“We deeply appreciate the untiring work of well-wishers, in and out of Goa, fighting for justice. However, it is our earnest appeal that the good fight continues and continues in a gentle, non-violent manner, with no religious barriers, and with joy in our hearts - both, on the ground and online,” Bismarque’s brother Mario Dias said in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement comes after a family and a group of activists called on Superintendent of Police (Crime) Kartik Kashyap and sought that the police probe the angle in a fair manner including from the murder angle.
The police have assured the visiting delegation that all angles were being probed in the case.
They have expressed ‘disappointment’ with “the government's apathy with the investigation but are now hopeful that public pressure will result in a thorough investigation.”
The family has also expressed a desire to give a fitting farewell to Bismarque Dias but are willing to wait until ‘justice is served’.
They have handed over the task to advocates, Peter and Caroline, to take all necessary steps to pursue a proper investigation.
“We long to bring his earthly remains home for one last time and have a proper farewell. But we also know that besides being our brother and our mai's (mother's) son, he was the son and brother of Jua and Goa. Hence, we have waited and will continue to wait patiently so that a proper investigation may be carried out and justice may be served,” Mario said in his statement.
The statement is the first time the family has come to speak out on the issue with much of the statement being made by activist friends of the deceased activist.
“Wish to thank the people of Goa for their spontaneous outpouring of love, solidarity and kindness in keeping vigil for our beloved son and brother,” Mario said.
Meanwhile activist Sudeep Dalvi who was involved in the musical protests spearheaded by Fr Bismarque Dias has given his statement to the Crime Branch PSI Virendra Veluskar.
Speaking to The Goan, Dalvi said that he has told the officer everything he knows about the case including who could be behind the murder of Bismarque Dias.
“I have told them everything. It is very clear that this is a political assassination. They have not asked me any questions only took down whatever I had to say,” Dalvi said adding that he had more faith in the Crime Branch than in the Old Goa Police.
