Archive · 7 Nov 2025
10 Years Later: Goa Village Remembers Activist Priest Bismarque Dias
A decade ago, a priest named Bismarque in a village in Goa died.
His body was found in a river, and the police first said he drowned.
But his family and friends didn't believe it because he was a strong activist who fought against people building lots of new things and hurting nature.
They said he even said if something happened to him, many more people would stand up for the same causes.
Even though the police later said there was no foul play, his loved ones still feel he was a victim of a conspiracy.
On the 10th year of his passing, people gathered to remember him and be inspired by his courage to protect their home, Goa.
Father Bismarque Dias's body was found on November 7, 2015, a decade ago, in a Goa river.
His death was initially ruled a drowning, but his family alleged foul play due to his activism.
Dias actively opposed real estate projects and ecological destruction in Goa.
The Goa Police Crime Branch ruled out foul play in 2018.
On his 10th anniversary, villagers and clergy called for people to continue his fight for justice and Goa's environment.
- Who
- Jose Bismarque Dias, a former priest and activist, his family, friends, and residents of St Estevam village.
- What
- Commemoration of the 10th death anniversary of Father Bismarque Dias, remembering his activism against environmental destruction and real estate development, and the unresolved circumstances of his death.
- When
- November 7, 2015 (death) and the 10th anniversary commemoration (recently).
- Where
- St Estevam village, Goa, India.
- Why
- Father Bismarque was a vocal activist opposing commercial projects and ecological damage, leading to suspicion of foul play in his death, despite official rulings.
Family and Friends
Police Investigation
Cause of Death
Family and Friends
Believe he was murdered due to his activism against real estate projects and ecological destruction; he was a good swimmer and could not have drowned.
Police Investigation
Initially ruled as drowning; later, the Crime Branch ruled out foul play in 2018.
Justice
Family and Friends
Do not believe justice has been served, suspecting a conspiracy.
Police Investigation
The official investigation concluded no foul play, implying the case was closed based on findings.
- Name
- Jose Bismarque Dias (Father Bismarque)
- Date of Death
- November 7, 2015
- Location
- St Estevam, Goa, India
- Initial Cause of Death
- Drowning
- Re-registered Case
- Murder (on court directions)
- Investigation Conclusion
- No foul play (Crime Branch, 2018)
- Activism Focus
- Opposed real estate projects, illegal construction, hill cutting, and ecological destruction in Goa.