A cross consecrated on private land at Kattingeri-Kudremale, a hillock in Moodubelle village under Shirva Police Station limits in Udupi district, was discovered destroyed on Friday. The cross, which was intact about 15 days ago, stood atop a hill that required a 10-minute trek from the base to reach. The nearest house is situated around 1 km downhill.

According to Udupi Superintendent of Police K. Arun, there are no houses in the immediate vicinity of the cross. Upon discovering the damage, locals raised concerns over the malicious destruction, suspecting foul play. Efforts are underway to identify the culprits. The Shirva Police have registered a case under Sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to insult religious beliefs) and 353(2) (statements leading to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code.

Prashanth Jathana, the State President of the Indian Christian Federation, condemned the act, calling it an attempt to disrupt communal harmony. He shared that about 30 families had visited the site annually to offer prayers, which belonged to Joseph Valerian Lobo. Fla Levan Fernandes, a local resident, had filed a police complaint regarding the incident, urging authorities to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.