Udupi Diocese releases statement on Inquiry report on Fr Mahesh D’Souza Death
Udupi: The Diocese of Udupi released an official statement on March 21, after the inquiry report of Fr Mahesh D’Souza’s death was submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kundapur by the investigation officer.
The press release stated, “The diocese of Udupi appreciates the objective and impartial investigation carried out by the Law Enforcing Agencies, especially the Police, into the untimely death of Fr Mahesh D’Souza, the Assistant Parish Priest of Shirva Parish and the Principal of Don Bosco English Medium School”.
The investigation was conducted in a very detailed manner, as indicated in the Report submitted before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kundapur, comprising a total of 1580 pages with a 202-page summary, which reflects, 95 witnesses being enquired and their statements recorded, reports of the forensic experts, post mortem report from the doctors, reports of the audio and video analysis experts received and analysed, and the circumstantial pieces of evidence personally verified, and thereby arriving at the following conclusion:
1. The death of Fr Mahesh occurred between 8.50 pm and 9.05 pm on 11.10.2019 in the office of the Principal.
2. The death was a suicide by hanging, not a murder or any other cause, abetted by the telephonic threat of a person who was angered by the chats between his wife and Fr Mahesh.
3. Fr Mahesh had a suicidal tendency and had attempted suicide thrice in the past.
4. The allegations regarding the proposed transfer, ill-treatment by the parish priest, etc. have been proved to be baseless.
5. Apart from the above, it is reiterated that, the investigation concludes that none of the following, i.e., Fr Vincent Robert Crasta, Fr Denis Alexander D’Sa, Fr Ashwin Aranha, the Bishop and Mr Alwyn Dominic Danthi, is, in any manner, responsible for the suicide of Fr Mahesh.
As the facts have been laid bare by the Police Investigation Report, there remain no doubts regarding the cause of the demise of Fr Mahesh.
The Diocese of Udupi mourns the untimely death of Fr Mahesh D’Souza and prays for the repose of his soul.