Christians in Kurla village protested in large numbers as the word spread that two idols of Mother Mary in their village were desecrated on Sunday morning. The idols, covered by a glass facade, were at the entrance of the village and also inside the village. According to members of the community, the desecration happened at around 4 am in the morning. There were different theories that were being talked about as to how the desecration happened. Some said that some people on bikes threw paver blocks, while others did not know of just how the desecration happened.
"Someone close to the statue heard the glass being broken but then she did not bother about it not thinking and knowing that it was Mother Mary's idol that was desecrated," said Lovinda Gomes, resident of Kurla village. The resident who said that while robbing of chains around Mother Mary was common, it was the first time that idol was desecrated. "The outside idol suffered more damage. Some boys who were around saw that paver blocks were thrown by some people in the bike. It was they who created noise and informed people in the vicinity. The incident comes days before the BMC election, it is very disturbing," said Ingrid Gomes, a resident who live close to the idol.
"Some people said that a two-wheeler number was noted and given to police for action by an eyewitness who was present when the crime took place," added Gomes. When contacted, Paramjitsingh Dahia, deputy commissioner of police, zone 5 said, "We have registered an FIR under section 295 and 427 of the Indian Penal Code. Some people mentioned about the two-wheeler number but we are looking at the case from all angles right now. The idol was among those that are outside people's house. We have not made any arrests till now and are investigating the case." The residents of the village said that they will be pray with a rosary everyday till the time culprits are caught.
