Archbishop Peter Machado condemns controversial incident at St. Gerosa Convent School
Mangalore: Archbishop Peter Machado has issued a strong condemnation following the recent controversial incident at St. Gerosa Convent School in Mangalore. The incident, involving a Sister-Teacher accused of making derogatory remarks against the Hindu religion and national leaders, has raised concerns about the swift and forceful actions taken before the completion of a government inquiry.
Archbishop Peter Machado expressed deep sadness over the situation, highlighting the exemplary service of Christian institutions like St. Gerosa Convent School, which has been a pillar of education in Mangalore for over fifty years. He emphasized the dedication of Christian institutions to providing quality education and healthcare to people of all religions without discrimination.
The press release raises questions about the conduct of elected leaders and the role of government officials in ensuring a fair and just process. Archbishop Peter Machado called for patience and adherence to a legal and orderly investigation, expressing dismay at the hasty suspension of the Sister-Teacher without the inquiry's completion.
In the face of false allegations and humiliation against the Christian community, Archbishop Peter Machado reiterated the community's commitment to serving society, particularly the poor and marginalized. The press release emphasized the need for unity and harmony in society and urged against succumbing to mob justice.
“As regards this case, the local leaders and the mob had no patience to wait for completion of the government inquiry, and the nun was forcefully suspended, even after the Sister-in-charge of the School begged forgiveness and apology on behalf of the Sister in question, reported to be hospitalised. But the elected representative and the mob were screaming for the Sister to be brought to the fore, orchestrating even the children for the purpose,” the press statement added.
“The Political elected leaders, instead of being beacons of unity and harmony in the society, are very often seen as leaders of disunity and disharmony. Though the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has praised the Christian Community in glowing terms, especially for their contributions to the society in the fields of education and health in his speech in Delhi on Christmas Day, his partymen across the country fail to rise above petty politics and hate speeches.
“Is mobocracy going to be the rule of the day or can we still trust in a just and ordered process of justice, which can usher peace and harmony in our society. The role of the government officials is also to be examined. Is it not their duty to help the citizens and institutions in their helplessness to take immediate steps to clarify matters and support them?
Despite false allegations and humiliation against the Christian Community and its dedicated leaders, we will continue to serve the society, especially the poor and the marginalised, providing quality service and pray for their detractors, in the words of Jesus on the Cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what to do!” it further added.
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Delhi Police busts Rs 300 crore international cyber fraud syndicate, arrests mastermind
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Police has busted a major international cyber fraud syndicate -- linked with over 2,000 complaints and scams worth over Rs 300 crore -- with the arrest of its alleged mastermind and 10 others, an official said on Sunday.
During the investigation, police uncovered a well-organised network operating across multiple states with links to international cyber fraud syndicates, particularly in Cambodia.
"We have so far identified over 260 bank accounts linked to more than 100 fictitious companies used to channel the proceeds of crime. The total number of complaints linked to the syndicate stands at 2,567," police said.
The key accused, Karan Kajaria, was apprehended at Kolkata airport on April 3 after a Look Out Circular was issued against him. He was brought to Delhi a day later for further investigation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Aditya Gautam said.
The case came to light following a complaint by a city resident, Sultan, who alleged that he was duped of Rs 31.45 lakh after being lured into an investment scheme.
Police said the victim was persuaded to download a fake trading application and invest money with promises of high returns. However, when he attempted to withdraw the profits, the application stopped functioning, and the group became inaccessible.
"An FIR was registered at the cyber police station in northeast and later transferred to the crime branch for a detailed probe," the officer said.
The syndicate created fake investment platforms and messaging groups to lure victims. They used mule bank accounts arranged through intermediaries and deployed malicious applications to capture sensitive banking details, including OTPs. Funds collected from victims were routed through a complex web of bank accounts and shell companies to conceal the trail, police said.
"Kajaria, who is believed to be the main coordinator, maintained direct links with foreign-based operators and facilitated the movement of funds through cryptocurrency channels,' the DCP said.
He acted as a bridge between Indian operatives and international cyber criminals. He was also involved in procuring mule bank accounts and sharing sensitive banking details via encrypted social media platforms, the DCP added.
Police said Kajaria frequently travelled abroad to establish and strengthen links with overseas fraud networks and had attempted to evade arrest by staying outside India.
Technical surveillance helped investigators trace the network to Kolkata, where several bank accounts and shell entities were found to be operating. Upon his arrival in India, Kajaria was intercepted at the airport and taken into custody.
During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to his involvement in the syndicate, police said, adding that accounts linked to his network were associated with more than 2,500 complaints registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and fraud of Rs 300 crore, the DCP said.
The investigation revealed that the syndicate had been active for the past four to five years and operated on a large scale across multiple states.
During the crackdown, police recovered 48 mobile phones, 258 SIM cards, multiple ATM cards and cheque books, four laptops, and several banking and KYC documents. Funds amounting to Rs 19 lakh have also been frozen. A total of 11 accused have been arrested in the case so far, police said, adding that further investigation is underway to identify other members of the syndicate.
