Bantwal: A Christmas crib, telling tales of Jesus Christ’s birth and erected by 30 Christian families at their cost, in Thumbe Darkas near Maripalla, was unfortunately set ablaze by some miscreants around 3 AM on Wednesday, Dec 28 here.

The crib was on a land owned by Valerian Fernandes, made up on the eve of Christmas festival.

Neighbors woken up by barking dogs in the compound checked the area, when crib was found burning. The mischief-makers had used petrol to set ablaze the crib, as empty bottles were lying around. The local people put out the fire and informed the police, as news spread like wildfire and devotees gathered in large numbers to see the havoc done.

Bantwal CIP, Anil s. Kilkarni and SI Shekhar rushed to the spot and a case was registered by Bantwal rural police, for creating public disharmony by unknown goondas.

Josephine D’souza, a former councilor here, urged the police to arrest them. Zilla panchayat member Thumbe Prakash Shetty condemned the evil deed, on visiting the spot. Police are on the look out for culprits.