The Vizhinjam Police charged him with promoting religious enmity and causing disharmony between communities against the priest.
(Photo; Social Media)
The Kerala Police, on Thursday, registered a complaint against Fr Thedocious D’Cruz, a Latin Catholic priest who is the convener of the Vizhinjam protest committee to take lead in the agitation against Vizhinjam Port, over his verbal remark on State Fisheries Minister V Abdurahman. Fr. D’Cruz said the name of the minister can be identified with that of a terrorist.
The Vizhinjam Police charged him with promoting religious enmity and causing disharmony between communities against the priest.
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According to the First Information Report(FIR), Fr Thedocious’s remarks against the Minister was aimed at provoking the people and giving rise to communal polarization and insurgency.
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Fr Thedocious D’Cruz called Fisheries Minister V Abdurahiman, a terrorist. Responding to Minister Abdurahman’s statement at a programme that the Vizhinjam protestors were anti-national, Fr. D’Cruz, said the name of the minister can be compared with that of a terrorist.
On 29 November, Abdurahiman, during a government-sponsored programme to discuss the merits of the Vizhinjam Port, said no one with a love for the country would object to the port.
Meanwhile, the priest apologised for his comment against the minister. “I made the remark against the minister as I was emotionally disturbed by his comment that protest council members and fishermen are anti-nationals,” said Fr. D’Cruz.
“It was a slip of tongue. I withdraw my remarks unconditionally and tender sincere apologies. I regret creating a rift at a time when minorities should work hand in hand,” said Fr. D’Cruz in a statement. The Latin Church also apologised for the statement made by the priest. However, Minister Abdurahiman refused to accept the apology from Theodosius D’Cruz. He said even if it’s a written apology he would not accept the same.
“I do not need any certificate from anyone. But you cannot go to any extent because you are a loose tongue,” said Abdurahiman. Education Minister V Sivankutty also came out in support of the minister.
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