Insane man attacks Goa priests

The parish priest of the area, Father Jose Antonio D8217;Costa told reporters that he along with four other priests and a sacristan were attacked by the accused for reasons unknown.

Correa who had met with an accident some months ago had been under treatment by a neuro surgeon, said the police. Among those assaulted was Father Leslie, who was counselling the accused.

The BJP however maintained that the incident could have been a fallout of the priests opposing theCongress candidate in the LS election. 8220;A CBI enquiry is needed to find out whether anyone instigated the attacker,8221; leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar said.

Incidentally the parish priest Father D8217;Costa was severely criticised by Industries Minister Churchill Alemao for canvassing against his brother and LS candidate Joaquim Alemao. Parrikar alleged that Alemaos had been publicly threatening to harm the priests after the close of polls.

Father D8217;Costa however denied that he had been campaigning for NCP candidate Wilfred D8217;Souza against the Alemaos but admitted that he enjoyed a good relationship with all political parties.

CM Faleiro who was accused by the BJP of trying to hush up the case insisted that the accused was mentally unsound. Police said Correa who had been admitted to Goa Medical College also attacked some policemen who were guarding him at the hospital.