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Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Indian Skeptic Faces Arrest for Debunking Catholic ‘Miracle’
April 17, 2012 at 10:31 am Ed Brayton
http://freethoughtblogs.com/dispatches/2012/04/17/indian-skeptic-faces-arrest-for-debunking-catholic-miracle/
April 17, 2012 at 10:31 am Ed Brayton
http://freethoughtblogs.com/dispatches/2012/04/17/indian-skeptic-faces-arrest-for-debunking-catholic-miracle/
Here’s another reason to love the First Amendment. Sanal Edamaruku, president of Rational International, faces possible arrest in India after he debunked a ‘miracle’ at a Catholic church in that country, where a statue of Jesus had water dripping from its feet. Stephen Law has a letter from the organization explaining what happened:
Dear friends,
On 10th March, Sanal Edamaruku, President of the Rationalist International, flew to Mumbai. The TV channel TV-9 had invited him to investigate a “miracle” that caused local excitement. He went with the TV team to Irla in Vile Parle to inspect the crucifix standing there in front of the Church of Our Lady of Velankanni. This crucifix had become the centre of attraction for an ever growing crowd of believers coming from far and wide. The news of the miracle spread like wild fire. For some days, there were little droplets of water trickling from Jesus’ feet. Hundreds of people came every day to pray and collect some of the “holy water” in bottles and vessels. Sanal Edamaruku identified the source of the water (a drainage near a washing room) and the mechanism how it reached Jesus feet (capillary action). The local church leaders, present during his investigation, appeared to be displeased. See the investigation in detail on YouTube
Some hours later, in a live program on TV-9, Sanal explained his findings and accused the concerned Catholic Church officials of miracle mongering, as they were beating the big drum for the drippling Jesus statue with aggressive PR measures and by distributing photographs certifying the “miracle”. A heated debate began, in which the five church people, among them Fr. Augustine Palett, the priest of Our Lady of Velankanni church, and representatives of the Association of Concerned Catholics (AOCC) demanded that Sanal apologize. But Sanal refused and argued against them. [The whole TV program is recorded. You can watch an abridged version of it on YouTube.]
When they saw Sanal refused to bow to their demands, they threatened to file a blasphemy case against him. And they did.
Yesterday (10th April,2012) Sanal received a phone call from a Police official of Juhu Police Station in Mumbai directing him to come to the said police station to face the charges and get arrested. He also said that FIRs have also been filed in Andheri and some other police stations u/s 295 of Indian Penal Code on the allegations of hurting the religious sentiments of a particular community. Mumbai police has announced that they were out to arrest him. It is apprehended that he can be arrested any moment.
The filing of FIRs by Mumbai police and threatening to arrest a well known rationalist who has been exposing miracles and superstitious beliefs for more than three decades is a serious attack on the freedom of expression. Clause (h) of Article 51-A of Constitution of India states that :
‘It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to develop the scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry and reform.’
In exposing the said miracle, Sanal was performing his fundamental duty enshrined in our constitution.
It is distressing that the Mumbai police has chosen to harass and victimize him for doing his fundamental duty.
‘Sanal Edamaruku Defence Committee’ appeals to all progressive individuals and organizations to protest and oppose the reprehensible steps of the Maharashtra police in filing FIRs against Sanal and stand behind him in solidarity for the cause of scientific thinking and freedom of expression.
N.D.Pancholi
11 April, 2012 Convenor,
Sanal Edamaruku Defence Committee
PS. Please have a look at ‘www.rationalistinternational.net’.
This is appalling, needless to say, and unfathomable to me. Can you imagine Peter Popoff being able to file charges against James Randi for offending his religious sensibilities by exposing him as a fraud? This is the problem with all laws against “defamation of religion” or “offending” anyone’s religion.
Letter from ND Pancholi, convener, Sanal Edamaruku Defence Committee
‘FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION UNDER ATTACK’
Sanal Edamaruku, well known rationalist, under threat of arrest for exposing the “miracle”
Dear friends,
On 10th March, Sanal Edamaruku, President of the Rationalist International, flew to Mumbai. The TV channel TV-9 had invited him to investigate a “miracle” that caused local excitement. He went with the TV team to Irla in Vile Parle to inspect the crucifix standing there in front of the Church of Our Lady of Velankanni. This crucifix had become the centre of attraction for an ever growing crowd of believers coming from far and wide. The news of the miracle spread like wild fire. For some days, there were little droplets of water trickling from Jesus’ feet. Hundreds of people came every day to pray and collect some of the “holy water” in bottles and vessels. Sanal Edamaruku identified the source of the water (a drainage near a washing room) and the mechanism how it reached Jesus feet (capillary action). The local church leaders, present during his investigation, appeared to be displeased. See the investigation in detail on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUqhq9MuRG8
Some hours later, in a live program on TV-9, Sanal explained his findings and accused the concerned Catholic Church officials of miracle mongering, as they were beating the big drum for the drippling Jesus statue with aggressive PR measures and by distributing photographs certifying the “miracle”. A heated debate began, in which the five church people, among them Fr. Augustine Palett, the priest of Our Lady of Velankanni church, and representatives of the Association of Concerned Catholics (AOCC) demanded that Sanal apologize. But Sanal refused and argued against them. [The whole TV program is recorded. You can watch an abridged version of it on YouTube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfJ6_ftih0s
When they saw Sanal refused to bow to their demands, they threatened to file a blasphemy case against him. And they did.
Yesterday (10th April,2012) Sanal received a phone call from a Police official of Juhu Police Station in Mumbai directing him to come to the said police station to face the charges and get arrested. He also said that FIRs have also been filed in Andheri and some other police stations u/s 295 of Indian Penal Code on the allegations of hurting the religious sentiments of a particular community. Mumbai police has announced that they were out to arrest him. It is apprehended that he can be arrested any moment.
The filing of FIRs by Mumbai police and threatening to arrest a well known rationalist who has been exposing miracles and superstitious beliefs for more than three decades is a serious attack on the freedom of expression. Clause (h) of Article 51-A of Constitution of India states that : ‘It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to develop the scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry and reform.’
In exposing the said miracle, Sanal was performing his fundamental duty enshrined in our constitution.
It is distressing that the Mumbai police has chosen to harass and victimize him for doing his fundamental duty.
‘Sanal Edamaruku Defence Committee’ appeals to all progressive individuals and organizations to protest and oppose the reprehensible steps of the Maharashtra police in filing FIRs against Sanal and stand behind him in solidarity for the cause of scientific thinking and freedom of expression.
N.D.Pancholi
11 April, 2012 Convenor,
Sanal Edamaruku Defence Committee
PS. Please have a look at www.rationalistinternational.net.
Indian skeptic charged with "blasphemy" for revealing secret behind "miracle" of weeping cross
By Cory Doctorow at 9:12 am Friday, Apr 13
Sanal Edamaruku, an Indian skeptic, went to Mumbai and revealed that a "miraculous" weeping cross was really just a bit of statuary located near a leaky drain whose liquid reached it by way of capillary action. The local Catholic Church demanded that he retract his statements, and when he refused, they had him arrested for blasphemy.
On 10th March, Sanal Edamaruku, President of the Rationalist International, flew to Mumbai. The TV channel TV-9 had invited him to investigate a “miracle” that caused local excitement. He went with the TV team to Irla in Vile Parle to inspect the crucifix standing there in front of the Church of Our Lady of Velankanni. This crucifix had become the centre of attraction for an ever growing crowd of believers coming from far and wide. The news of the miracle spread like wild fire. For some days, there were little droplets of water trickling from Jesus’ feet. Hundreds of people came every day to pray and collect some of the “holy water” in bottles and vessels. Sanal Edamaruku identified the source of the water (a drainage near a washing room) and the mechanism how it reached Jesus feet (capillary action). The local church leaders, present during his investigation, appeared to be displeased.
Some hours later, in a live program on TV-9, Sanal explained his findings and accused the concerned Catholic Church officials of miracle mongering, as they were beating the big drum for the drippling Jesus statue with aggressive PR measures and by distributing photographs certifying the “miracle”. A heated debate began, in which the five church people, among them Fr. Augustine Palett, the priest of Our Lady of Velankanni church, and representatives of the Association of Concerned Catholics (AOCC) demanded that Sanal apologize. But Sanal refused and argued against them. [The whole TV program is recorded. You can watch an abridged version of it on YouTube.]
When they saw Sanal refused to bow to their demands, they threatened to file a blasphemy case against him. And they did. Yesterday (10th April,2012) Sanal received a phone call from a Police official of Juhu Police Station in Mumbai directing him to come to the said police station to face the charges and get arrested. He also said that FIRs have also been filed in Andheri and some other police stations u/s 295 of Indian Penal Code on the allegations of hurting the religious sentiments of a particular community. Mumbai police has announced that they were out to arrest him. It is apprehended that he can be arrested any moment.
Report about the aftermath of the exposure of the Mumbai Jesus miracle in Malayalam language, in Webdunia (Malayalam)
മുംബൈ വിലെ പാര്ലെയിലെ വേളാങ്കണ്ണി മാതാവിന്റെ പള്ളിയിലുള്ള ക്രിസ്തു രൂപത്തിന്റെ കാലുകളില് നിന്ന് വെള്ളമൊലിക്കുന്നുവെന്ന ദിവ്യാത്ഭുതം പൊളിച്ചുകൊടുത്ത യുക്തിവാദി സംഘം നേതാവ് സനല് ഇടമറുകിനെ ‘മതനിന്ദ’ കേസുകള് ചുമത്തി അറസ്റ്റുചെയ്തേക്കും എന്ന് സൂചന. മൂന്നോളം കേസുകളാണ് സനലിനെതിരെ രജിസ്റ്റര് ചെയ്തിരിക്കുന്നത്. ഏത് നിമിഷവും സനല് അറസ്റ്റ് ചെയ്യപ്പെട്ടേക്കാം എന്നാണ് റിപ്പോര്ട്ടുകള്.
വിലെ പാര്ലെ പള്ളി വന് തീര്ത്ഥാടന കേന്ദ്രമായി മാറിക്കൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്നതിനെ തുടര്ന്ന് ടിവി 9 ചാനല് ഒരു അന്വേഷണാത്മക പരിപാടിയുമായി എത്തുകയും സനല് സംഭവ സ്ഥലത്ത് എത്തിയ സനല് ഇടമറുക് ക്രൂശിത രൂപത്തിന്റെ പരിസരത്തുള്ള ഒരു അഴുക്കുചാല് കണ്ടെത്തുകയും ചെയ്തു. ഈ അഴുക്കു ചാലിലെ വെള്ളം “കാപ്പില്ലറി ബല”ത്താല് ക്രൂശിതരൂപത്തിന്റെ കാലില് എത്തുകയും ഇറ്റിറ്റായി ഒഴുകുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നത് ചാനല് പ്രക്ഷേപണം ചെയ്തതോടെ വിശ്വാസികള് സനലിനെതിരെ തിരിയുകയായിരുന്നു.
ദിവ്യാത്ഭുതത്തെ പറ്റി കൂടുതല് ചര്ച്ച ചെയ്യുന്നതിന് ചാനല് ഒരുക്കിയ പരിപാടിയില് പള്ളി വികാരി ഫാദര് അഗസ്റ്റിന് പാലേട്ട്, വിവിധ ക്രിസ്ത്യന് സംഘടകനളുടെ പ്രതിനിധികള് എന്നിവരും സനലും സന്നിഹിതരായിരുന്നു. ചര്ച്ചയിലും സനല് ദിവ്യാത്ഭുതം പൊളിച്ചടുക്കി. ചര്ച്ചയ്ക്കിടയില് ഫോണ് വഴി മുംബൈ രൂപതയുടെ ഓക്സിലറി ബിഷപ്പ് ആഗ്നലോ ഗ്രേഷ്യസും പങ്കെടുക്കുകയും ക്രിസ്ത്യന് സഭ ശാസ്ത്രത്തിന് എതിരല്ലെന്ന് പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു.
ചര്ച്ചയില് സനല് നടത്തിയ ചില പരാമര്ശങ്ങള് മതനിന്ദയാണെന്നും സനല് മാപ്പ് പറയണമെന്നും ചര്ച്ചയില് പങ്കെടുത്ത പള്ളി വികാരിയും കൂട്ടരും ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടതോടെ ചര്ച്ച ചൂടുപിടിച്ചു. സനലാകട്ടെ, മാപ്പുപറയാന് തയ്യാറായതുമില്ല. സനലിനെതിരെ മതനിന്ദയ്ക്ക് കേസ് കൊടുക്കുമെന്ന് ചാനല് ചര്ച്ചയ്ക്കിടെ ക്രിസ്ത്യന് സംഘടനാംഗങ്ങള് ഭീഷണിപ്പെടുത്തുകയും ചെയ്തിരുന്നു.
ഇന്ത്യന് പീനല് കോഡിന്റെ ഇരുനൂറ്റി തൊണ്ണൂറ്റിയഞ്ചാം വകുപ്പ് പ്രകാരം സനലിനെതിരെ മൂന്ന് പരാതികള് ഇതിനകം തന്നെ കൊടുത്തുകഴിഞ്ഞു എന്നാണ് ഇപ്പോള് അറിയുന്നത്. അന്ധവിശ്വാസങ്ങള്ക്കെതിരെ സന്ധിയില്ലാത്ത സമരം പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചിട്ടുള്ള സനലിനെതിരെയുള്ള കേസുകള്ക്കെതിരെ പൊതുജനങ്ങള് പ്രതികരിക്കണമെന്ന് ഇന്ത്യന് യുക്തിവാദി സംഘടന അപേക്ഷിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. സനലിനെ മുംബൈ പൊലീസ് അറസ്റ്റ് ചെയ്താല് ‘ദിവ്യാത്ഭുതം’ അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര ശ്രദ്ധ ആകര്ഷിച്ചേക്കും.
Watch the controversial videos on TV-9
Video in which Sanal Edamaruku explaining the Jesus water dripping miracle at mumbai. Clipping from TV-9 programme on 10 april 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUqhq9MuRG8&feature=relmfu
TV-9 debate betwenn Sanal Edamaruku and Bishop of Mumbai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfJ6_ftih0s
Video in which Sanal Edamaruku explaining the Jesus water dripping miracle at mumbai. Clipping from TV-9 programme on 10 april 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUqhq9MuRG8&feature=relmfu
TV-9 debate betwenn Sanal Edamaruku and Bishop of Mumbai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfJ6_ftih0s
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