Panaji (Goa): The Congress party has demanded inquiry by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the spate of attacks on religious places in the coastal state.

“I demand CBI inquiry into desecration of religious places in Goa. Whether it is religious structure of Christians, Muslims or Hindus, any attack on them cannot be tolerated,” Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Shantaram Naik told reporters here.

Naik along with Congress office bearers today met Director General of Police Muktesh Chandar to demand thoroughly inquiry into these incidents. Several gravestones in South Goa’s Curchorem village were damaged last night even as police are groping in darkness over the motive and people behind the act.

Talking to reporters after meeting DGP, Naik also criticized State Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for leaving to the US without handing over Home department portfolio to any other minister.

“We are not against his foreign tour. But when he left under such circumstances when religious structures are being attacked, it was his duty to hand over the responsibility someone else,” said Naik.

He said police is department is capable of investigating such cases, but they are likely to get pressurized by the local forces. “CBI being a neutral agency would be able to investigate these cases in a better way,” Naik added.