PANAJI: A confrontation between journalists and YouTuber Gautam Khattar at the Crime Branch office has snowballed into a wider show of solidarity with the press, with political leaders stepping in on World Press Freedom Day to back Goan media.
Khattar, who walked out on bail yesterday evening in connection with a hate speech case linked to remarks on St Francis Xavier that allegedly hurt religious sentiments, turned combative during what began as a routine media interaction.
When pressed on his earlier remarks, he said the matter was sub judice but went on to criticise Goan journalists, alleging lack of decorum and ethics, prompting immediate pushback.
The exchange quickly escalated into a heated verbal face-off, with reporters accusing him of deflecting from the core issue and demanding accountability.
The incident has drawn strong political reactions across party lines.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas backed the media, urging people not to be drawn into polarisation. “Support the media personnel and maintain respect. This has nothing to do with religion,” he said, pointing to concerns such as land conversions and public protests.
AAP Goa chief Valmiki Naik also supported the media, calling Khattar a “troublemaker” and praising journalists for standing their ground.
Goa Forward Party Chief Vijai Sardesai urged restraint, warning against amplifying divisive narratives and calling for communal harmony.
Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar termed the remarks “disgraceful and unacceptable,” while GPCC media department chairman Amarnath Panjikar said questioning Goan journalists’ ethics was baseless and deeply insulting. He added that the media in Goa has consistently played a crucial role in strengthening democracy through fearless reporting.
The Goa Union of Journalists also condemned the comments as “generalised and irresponsible,” saying they do not reflect the reality of journalism in the state.
The BJP, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped so far.
