Many fellow netters have been writing to me privately in support of the campaign to get to the bottom of the Ribandar Church Molestation case. They say that their own independent inquiries confirm the allegations made.
I would appeal to these concerned netters to take the courage and directly express their views and convictions on goanet for the benefit of all. We are fortunate to have a forum where one can openly express his or her views unlike some of the print media which has its business and other compulsions. The Ribandar Church Molestation case is just a part of the bigger problem that has gripped many other parishes in Goa. I have nothing personally against Fr. Newton Rodrigues. I have never turned down any of his request for donations inspite of never having received a receipt for any of the contributions made. But when a 13 year old girl is molested no sensible person could sit back in silence. The victim's mother confirmed to me that the incident had happened. The victim and the mother also spoke to Ms Auda Viegas of Bailancho Exvott who later submitted a report of the incident to the police. Now months later to say that the complain was filed with the police on pressure cuts no ice. We would do more damage to our religion by silently and cowardly enduring the wrongs and the injustice that may be going on in our places of worship. Churches, Temples and mosques are sacred places for the public. They cannot and should never be allowed to be run as a Private Limited Company. For those who may not be aware the Children's Court is located on the first Floor , Shram Shakti Bhavan, Pato Plaza, Panaji Aires Rodrigues Ribandar