Goa Police book right-wing activist over remarks on St Francis Xavier
text_fields
A political controversy has erupted in Goa after police registered a case against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for allegedly making objectionable remarks about St Francis Xavier, a revered religious figure whose relics are housed at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
According to Superintendent of Police (South) Santosh Desai, an FIR was registered on Sunday night against Khattar for hurting religious sentiments. He stated that further action would be taken in accordance with the law.
The controversy began after a video of Khattar addressing an event on Saturday evening went viral. The event, organised to mark Bhagwan Parshuram Janmotsav, was attended by several political figures, including State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and BJP MLAs Sankulp Amonkar and Daji Salkar, along with Swami Brahmeshanand.
A formal complaint was filed at Vasco police station by Congress leader Peter D’Souza, who alleged that Khattar had deliberately hurt religious sentiments. He said the complaint was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The issue has drawn sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Congress MLA Altone D’Costa demanded Khattar’s immediate arrest, stating that the remarks were deeply offensive and had the potential to disturb communal harmony in the state. He also called for action against the organisers of the event, identified as Sanatan Dharma Raksha Samiti, Mormugao.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao strongly condemned the remarks, describing them as malicious and offensive to the people of Goa. He urged the Chief Minister to ensure swift action and said such statements have no place in a state known for its communal harmony.
Similarly, Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai appealed for strict action against Khattar, reinforcing calls for accountability.
Amid the backlash, the Sanatan Dharma Raksha Samiti distanced itself from Khattar’s remarks and issued an apology to the Christian community. In a video statement, the organisers said they had not expected such comments and claimed they had attempted to stop him during the speech. They emphasised the long-standing harmonious coexistence between communities in Goa and expressed regret over the incident.
With PTI inputs