Mumbai
(AsiaNews / Agencies) - For the second time in seven months an ancient crucifix in Vile Parle (district
of Mumbai) has been vandalized. The incident occurred yesterday: the
statue of Jesus was found with the arms of Christ
broken off. The local
Catholic community have voiced their protest accusing police of being unable to control the area and of having failed to conduct an appropriate investigation.
The crucifix dates back to 1880 and is located along the main street of the neighborhood. AsiaNews had reported on
the
first act of vandalism, December 15, 2013,
just as 37 children from the local church were preparing to
receive their First Holy Communion.
For the moment, police have arrested
a Catholic, Agnelo Pereira, for the
desecration of the crucifix. However,
the community is convinced of the
innocence of man and hundreds of
people gathered on the spot in protest. To express
their solidarity with the Catholic,
Saint Xavier school and the convent of St. Joseph in Vile Parle
remained closed for the entire day yesterday.