Lucknow, 11 June (HS): Bishop Morris Edgar Dan is the head

clergyman of the Church of North India, Lucknow Diocese. Under his leadership,

more than a dozen schools, colleges, churches, and other institutions are run

across the state. Headmistress Priyadarshini of Bishop Johnson Katra Extension

School has been accused of orchestrating an attack on lawyers with the help of

a male associate. Following this incident, she was granted leave to protect the

school’s reputation. However, during her leave, she returned to the school and

created a disturbance, which led to her removal from the post. Subsequently,

Priyadarshini filed a case of exploitation against Bishop Dan and three others

at Colonelganj police station. Later, she lodged another FIR alleging threats.

Meanwhile, David Andrew Luke, the dismissed acting principal

of Boys’ High School and College, along with his family members, faces charges

of embezzling Rs. 10 crore, registered with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW),

Lucknow Sector. Investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2021, tuition fee

funds were siphoned off through three construction companies. Investigating

officer Narendra Singh’s report charged them under IPC Sections 409, 420, 467,

468, 471, and 120-B. Earlier, David Luke had also faced allegations of a fake

M.A. degree and embezzlement of Rs. 3.25 crore, which led to his dismissal.

Despite this, he did not vacate his position and continued to remain in the

school.

Sources suggest that under pressure from David Luke and

Ravinandan, Priyadarshini filed a false gangrape case against Bishop Dan,

Secretary Rakesh Chhatri, Allen Dan, and others. Opponents are actively trying

to remove Bishop Dan from his position, while Bishop Dan has openly challenged

that if he has committed any wrongdoing, an investigation should be conducted.

He has stated that if the gangrape charges are proven, he and his associates

should face the harshest punishment, but if the FIR is found to be false, then

action should be taken against those who filed it.

Rockwell Amar Moses remarked that Bishop Dan is a clergyman

and the current dispute is merely the result of internal differences within the

mission. As a result, the reputation and image of the CNI Church are being

damaged. He further emphasized that in the public interest, it is essential

that both sides undergo impartial investigation so that the truth may come out

and misconceptions in society may end. The Hon’ble High Court of Allahabad,

Lucknow Bench, in Criminal Miscellaneous Repetition 1793/2025 (Arvind Yadav vs.

State of Uttar Pradesh) dated March 5, 2025, directed that cases of false FIRs

filed for blackmailing should be investigated by the CBI. In light of this

order, it is considered necessary in the interest of justice that the cases

filed against Bishop Dan be investigated by the CBI.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi