Team Goemkarponn
Anjuna: In a shocking incident that has triggered public outrage, Anjuna Police have arrested three individuals for allegedly trespassing into a Christian place of worship and stealing a religious symbol.
The case has been registered under Anjuna Police Station Crime No. 107/2025, under Sections 329(4), 298, and 305 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following a complaint filed by Ronnie Fernandes (49), a local fisherman and President of the Saint Cross Chapel, Baga.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred around 6:15 am on July 21 at the Saint Cross Chapel located at Baga Creek, Arpora. The accused—identified as Vivek Batra (57), a resident of Nariman Point, Mumbai, currently residing in Baga, along with two labourers—allegedly broke the metal gate lock of the chapel and forcibly entered the premises. They are accused of deliberately stealing a wooden cross, an act that has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Christian community.
The main accused, Vivek Batra, was detained by Anjuna Police along with his labourer Bikas Kumar (17), a native of Sitamarhi, Bihar. While Batra has been remanded to three days’ police custody, the minor was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and subsequently admitted to Apna Ghar Merces, a state-run juvenile facility.
The third accused, identified as Machhud Mondal (20), a resident of Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, was arrested on July 22. Police said further investigation is underway to determine the motive and any larger conspiracy behind the incident.
Authorities have assured the local community that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for such acts that disturb communal harmony and religious sanctity.
