Thiruvananthapuram: Latin Archdiocese Vicar General Fr. Eugene Pereira stated that those who cast accusations against him should also bring forth evidence. This comes in the light of allegations that the priest directed people to block Ministers from entering Muthalapozhi, where one fisherman died and three others went missing after a boat capsized. 

Fr. Eugene Pereira argued that the actions by the state shows they are trying to hide their own shortcomings by shifting the blame onto someone else. The elected ministers should listen to the woes of fishermen. This is the tenth accident of the year. Measures should be taken to resolve these kinds of issues, he demanded.

The country stands on a constitution that upholds the rights of its citizens and ensures free and fair speech. Sadly, today state terrorism is taking place. Matters relating to the case will be examined. Let those who sling mud on him prove whether he has done any crime, the Vicar General added.

“There are about 140 cases relating to the Vizhinjam strike in place. This is the 141st one. There are no other cases in my name. This is a deliberate ploy to silence some people. We will not fall prey to this.” Fr Pereira said. 

A case was filed against the Latin Vicar General by the Anchthengu police stating that he had made a call for protest and blocked the Minister's entry to the site where the tragedy occurred. The FIR mentions that he made a call for violent protests provoking the Christian believers. 

Ministers V Sivankutty, G.R Anil and Anthony Raju had visited the site where the boat capsized to take stock of the rescue operation but were stopped from proceeding further. The FIR mentions that Fr. Pereira bellowed ‘Don’t let them in’ with the intention of inciting a riot.