Mumbai church priest accused of misusing premises

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, Feb 21, 2018 : The management of Church of Our Lady of Egypt located in Kalina, Santacruz East has come under the court’s scanner for allegedly looting parish money for over 12 years and for misusing church’s property.

 

In a recent order passed by the Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Bandra, the court ordered Vakola Police to submit an investigation report on the allegations made by a parish member against the priest of the catholic church Anthony D’Souza and decorator appointed by the church.

The complainant, Clinton D’Silva, has told the court that Rev Anthony D’Silva and Denis, Mandap Decorator,  in connivance have gained more than 50 million rupees over the past 12 years by carrying out illegal acts in the church premises. The complaint says that the priest has retained the decorator despite his contract ending in 2016. He claimed that the priest, who is the church’s managing authority, allows the decorator to illegally occupy the school and college ground, halls and other church premises.

A copy of the compliant and the court order in a 12-page long complaint mentions all kinds of irregularities taking place in the church. The Our Lady Of Egypt Church also houses St Mary School and College.

Local Congress Corporator Tulip Miranda said, “In June last year, I received complaints about the mandap decorator overcharging for equipment and misusing the premises. I wrote to the priest but he did not act against the irregularities”.

“The ground where the church allows events is earmarked as a playground in the city’s development plan. But the students hardly get to use the playground as every weekend and also on weekdays the ground hosts wedding parties and other functions. I took the matter to local ward officer, H-East, Alka Sasane too but there has been no action”, Miranda added.

Senior Police Inspector of Vakola Police station, Kailashchandra Avahad told media, “We are inquiring and will soon submit the investigation report to the court. If needed, we will ask for an extension.”