Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Father Peter Bombacha a catholic priest was killed late last night in Baboola, approx. 1km away from the Vasai Bishops House.

The motive for the murder is unknown. The priest was about to turn 74 years old and was loved and respected by all. Monsignor Felix Machado, archbishop of Vasai, arrived on the scene of the crime this morning. Shocked and saddened at the sight of the slain priest, he told AsiaNews: "Fr. Peter was a priest full of faith, serving the Church and the people without discrimination of caste or creed, he forgot himself to serve the most poor and abandoned.

"When a man answers the call - he added - his life belongs completely to God and the people .... Even in a death, as tragic and painful as that of Fr Peter, a priest belongs to God ... His life and his death will be fruitful for the Church and for India." (by Nirmala Carvalho)