Cross vandalised in Kalina, police searches for clues

Mumbai: A crucifix located near Vaibhav Stores, Kalina village, Santacruz, was desecrated early morning Wednesday by unknown persons, who allegedly hit the cross with paver blocks. This is the fourth such incident recorded this year after the last instance took place in April where a cross in Santacruz was desecrated.

Godfrey Pimenta, civic activist and founder of Watchdog Foundation, said that the incident occurred in the small hours of Wednesday. “At around 3 am, some residents heard some noise but took it to be some youngsters in the area roaming around and ignored it. In the morning however, they saw that the holy cross had been desecrated,” he said.

Vakola police that is investigating the case has registered an offence against unknown persons for vandalising a religious structure. “We will be scanning CCTV cameras installed at the nearest signal and access roads leading to the cross. We are investigating the incident seriously," said a police source.

Mr Pimenta said that such incidents were occurring regularly, especially in areas such as Santacruz west, Juhu, and Bandra west. “This has been done with deliberate intention of hurting the religious sentiments of the Christian community,” he said. The activist added that while the police registered such cases, it rarely ever made arrests as there was no proof and such incidents occurred late night or early morning when residents were sleeping. “The state government should install CCTV cameras in and around all places of worship on a priority basis," he said.

This year, a total of four such incidents has been recorded, with the first occurring on January 27 where a holy cross at Carter Road was desecrated; then, a statue of Mother Mary was damaged in February; and the last one in April where a holy cross in Santacruz was desecrated.