PANAJI
Goa police continued questioning of three political figures accused of making statements allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments.
Tribal leader Govind Shirodkar appeared before Mapusa police on Monday. He was interrogated for nearly one-and-a-half hours a day after similar quizzing on Sunday as part of the ongoing probe. Shirodkar was accompanied by his lawyer Malisa Simoes.
Congress leader Girish Chodankar, also booked in a similar case, did not appear before Mapusa police on Monday reportedly due to his pre-occupation with the election counting process in Tamil Nadu where he is a party observer.
Chodankar had joined the investigation on Sunday, when he was grilled for nearly three hours at Mapusa police station. Police had asked him to return the next day.
Chodankar has claimed the case against him is politically motivated and that he had satisfied the police with his answers.
"This is just a political case. I have not hurt any religious sentiments. I targeted BJP in that video,” he had said after Sunday’s questioning.
Separately, Warren Alemao appeared before Panaji police again on Monday. His questioning continued in connection with a case registered after he allegedly demanded a ban on Sanatan and Sanatani in Benaulim.
On Sunday, police had confirmed three FIRs had been filed -- two registered at Mapusa against Chodankar and Shirodkar, based on complaints by Swaraj Gomantak.
In one Chodankar was accused of disrespecting “Maa Ganga Devi Aarti.”
The third FIR was lodged in Panaji against Alemao, following a complaint by State Karni Sena president Santosh Y Rajput.
