Mangalore, June 4: Rafael Raj, Chief Secretary of Akhila Karnataka Catholic Christara Kannada Sangha was taken into custody by the Bunder police on June 3, Tuesday. The move was a result of a complaint lodged by Christian leaders including Konkani Sahitya Academy President Roy Castelino and Konkani Prachar Andolan President Stany Alvares.
A complaint was filed on Rafael Raj by Konkani Academy Chief Roy Castelino, for hurting the sentiments of the Christians. Earlier Rafael had addressed a press meet wherein he hurled allegations against Bangalore Archbishop Dr. Bernard Moras in connection with the murder of Fr K J Thomas, Rector of St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary.
Roy Castelino stated that the allegations made by Raphael are completely false and an immediate action should be taken against him.
Raphael was in judicial custody, but later he was released as holding a press meet was not sufficient grounds for arrest, and it was a non-cognizable offence, hence no FIR can be filed, police informed.
Speaking to reporters, Stany Alvares, president of Konkani Prachar Sanchalan, said that as per law, Raphael could only be questioned and not produced in court. “We will file a defamation suit against Raphael,” he said.
He further said that the protest on Tuesday night was withdrawn as Raphael tendered an apology in writing, in which he admitted that he had leveled the allegations against the Archbishop without any proof.
