MANGALORE: An incident wherein Justice Somashekhar who is heading the panel probing into the church attacks, expressed his strong resentment over the failure of the police personnel in cooperating with the Commission in its investigation, took place during the Commission hearing held in the city on Thursday. Justice Somashekhar even said the non-cooperation on the part of the police department revealed the style of functioning of the state government.
When Melwyl Pinto, one of the prime witnesses in the church attack case was being cross questioned by the counsel for the police department Narayana Reddy, the latter had to struggle for some documents. On this occasion Reddy himself complained by saying “I am not receiving due cooperation from the police officials.” When Justice Somashekhar enquired if no police official had arrived for the hearing, the advocate said though a head constable and women constables were present, their presence was of no use and complained that even his request to senior officials to be present had been no of use.
Commenting on the issue, Justice Somashekhar said “ I have been requesting senior police officials to be present during hearing of the Commisison. What would be the plight of the common people when this is the fate of an advocate ? If the work of the advocate is delayed, then the Commission’s hearing would also be delayed. Summon the SP or the DySP in case the SP is preoccupied. If the police officials are not present by 3 pm then a notice would be served to them.”
During the hearing, B Ibrahim, counsel for the Christian community said the interim report of the Justice Somashekhar Commission that was submitted to the government recently, has made the people realize the benefits of a Commission. Reacting to this, Justice Somashekhar said “ Today people are realising how a commission is functioning.”
Jagadish Shenava, counsel for the Bhajrangdal, who immediately intervened said “It’s true that people have realized the functioning of the Commission. But it has given sleepless nights to us (Bhajrangis)”

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