The faithful found the Vile Parle statue of Jesus with its arms broken off. Hundreds of Catholics in protest at the arrest - judged unfair – of a member of the community. The crucifix was also vandalized in December 2013.

Mumbai (AsiaNews / Agencies) - For the second time in seven months an ancient crucifix in Vile Parle (district of Mumbai) has been vandalized. The incident occurred yesterday: the statue of Jesus was found with the arms of Christ broken off. The local Catholic community have voiced their protest accusing police of being unable to control the area and of having failed to conduct an appropriate investigation.

The crucifix dates back to 1880 and is located along the main street of the neighborhood. AsiaNews had reported on the first act of vandalism, December 15, 2013, just as 37 children from the local church were preparing to receive their First Holy Communion.

For the moment, police have arrested a Catholic, Agnelo Pereira, for the desecration of the crucifix. However, the community is convinced of the innocence of man and hundreds of people gathered on the spot in protest. To express their solidarity with the Catholic, Saint Xavier school and the convent of St. Joseph in Vile Parle remained closed for the entire day yesterday.

 

• india
• mumbai
• crucifix
• desecration
• catholic
• church
• police