Another desecration incident in Goa

Panaji: Almost two weeks after a man was arrested for allegedly desecrating some 150 religious structures including holy crosses in Goa, a similar incident has again been reported in the coastal state.

The incident at a cemetery at Marcaim village in North Goa district, where 12 gravestones were found to be damaged, came to light on Monday, police said, adding that it was not clear when exactly they were vandalised.

Goa police had arrested Francis Pereira (50) on July 14 following a spate of desecration of religious symbols or structures such as holy crosses and gravestones.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar assured Legislative Assembly today that the culprit in Marcaim incident would be arrested soon.

The issue was raised by Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar (Congress) who pointed out that such incidents were continuing despite Pereira's arrest.

Parrikar said Pereira's acts may have inspired someone else. "We can not stop anyone from taking inspiration from someone," he said.

"He (Pereira) has shown 146 places which he desecrated. He has also said (told the investigators) he was not involved in the incident at Marcaim," said Parrikar.

"Police have registered an FIR. They have got some definite clues....Give them three-four days and they will arrest the culprit," the chief minister said.