MARGAO
Residents of Colmorod-Margao on late Friday found to their shock that the statue of St Francis Xavier was desecrated at a Cross.
The statue was found damaged with the Cross thrown around two metres away, while the hands of the saint have gone missing.
The incident came to light at around 9 pm when a local youth had gone to the Cross to offer prayers. Locals suspect that the desecration has taken place between 6.30 pm and 9 pm.
The Margao police rushed to the site upon receiving information that the Cross has been vandalised by miscreants.
Vice-president of the Chapel Cross Committee Milton Gomes informed that the statue of St Francis Xavier was found intact at around 6.30 pm when a local youth had gone to offer prayers. He, however, said the statue was found in a damaged state with the hands and Cross in broken state,” he said.
Milton has appealed to the Margao police to inquire and bring the culprits to book. “Colmorod has not seen any such incident over the years. People from all faiths, including Catholics, Hindus and Muslims come and offer prayers at the Cross. We had celebrated the feast at the Cross on February 19. Even local MLA Digambar Kamat takes part in the celebrations,” he said.
Former Margao Municipal councillor Jaffar Shaikh said this is a clear attempt to disturb the peace of the locality. “People of Colmorod have been living here in peace and harmony. This is an attempt to disturb the community amity amongst the people,” he said, while demanding action.
