In an unprecedented and intense show of discontent, hundreds of Christians from various districts across North Karnataka converged to protest against what they allege is rampant corruption and nepotism within the Karnataka North Diocese (KND) of the Church of South India. The protesters, hailing from districts such as Dharwad, Shimoga, Bellary, Vijayanagar, Koppala, Gadag, Bagalkote, Vijayapur, and Haveri, gathered at the KND office near Haliyala Naka in Dharwad, demanding a thorough investigation into the administration’s affairs.
The protest was spearheaded by lawyer Vinod Kumar, who did not mince words in his condemnation of the KND’s top leadership, mainly targeting Bishop Martin Boragi, Secretary Vijayakumar Dandin, Treasurer Satya Babu, and Joint Treasurer Amrit Vijay Kanakaraj. Vinod Kumar accused these individuals of profoundly ingrained corruption, focusing mainly on managing 94 churches under the KND’s jurisdiction. He alleged that church properties were being sold illicitly and that members who dared to question or challenge these activities faced retaliatory actions, such as cancelling their memberships.
The accusations extended to allegations of corruption in recruiting teachers for the KND-run schools and colleges. Protesters highlighted that the diocese, which operates predominantly on funds collected from weekly church offerings, was being misused for personal enrichment by a small group at the helm. “The diocese is run on the money donated by faithful churchgoers, but that money is being pocketed by a select few instead of being used for the community’s benefit,” Vinod Kumar told reporters.
Adding to the list of grievances, Kumar stated, “We, the elected members of the diocese, have been systematically sidelined from any decision-making processes. With the upcoming KND election in October, Bishop Martin Boragi is ensuring that his power remains unchallenged by surrounding himself with a select group of ten individuals. We have traveled from nine districts to make our voices heard and hold the bishop accountable for his unlawful activities.”
The protesters demanded immediate transparency, accountability, and an investigation by the higher authorities of the Church of South India. The crowd, which had grown throughout the day, chanted slogans calling for justice and for an end to what they described as the “tyranny” of the current KND leadership.
KND Secretary Vijayakumar Dandin issued a statement condemning the protesters’ actions, criticising them for entering the KND office without permission and organising a demonstration. He accused individuals, including Ernest Peter, Dr Sanjay Devdhar, Ravindra Dhawale, and Vinod Kumar, of misleading the community for personal gain and instigating the protest.
Dandin staunchly denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless. “We are prepared to discuss and resolve any issues amicably. However, the manner in which the protesters have conducted themselves is unacceptable. The matter regarding the election of St. Thomas Church in Shimoga is currently in court, and KND cannot interfere. The demands of the protesters are beyond the authority of the KND. The diocese has over one lakh members, and only a handful of individuals are attempting to tarnish the name of the diocese,” he said.
As the protest continued, tensions remained high, with many in the community eagerly awaiting further developments. The incident has cast a spotlight on the governance and financial management within the KND, raising serious questions about the integrity of its leaders. The call for transparency and accountability from the higher authorities of the Church of South India has only grown louder as the community demands answers and justice.
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