Plaints filed at multiple police stations; warn of agitation over delay
ANGER ALL AROUND: Locals and Congress workers lodge a complaint at Anjuna Police Station on Monday, demanding the immediate arrest of Gautam Khattar over his alleged derogatory remarks.
MAPUSA
A wave of anger and sharp criticism has swept through Anjuna and surrounding areas after controversial remarks allegedly made by Gautam Khattar against Goencho Saib, Saint Francis Xavier.
Congress workers and local villagers on Monday lodged formal complaints at the Anjuna, Mapusa, Calangute and Saligao police stations, demanding his immediate arrest.
Tensions escalated in Anjuna, where villagers issued a stern ultimatum to the State government: arrest Khattar within 24 hours or face a mass agitation. Residents warned that failure to act would trigger a protest march to the Chief Minister’s residence.
Former sarpanch of Siolim-Sodiem, Francis Fernandes, condemned the remarks, accusing “outsiders” of repeatedly targeting Goa’s cultural and religious fabric.
He recalled past controversies, alleging selective harassment in earlier incidents while questioning the delay in action in the present case. “We will not tolerate insults to our beloved saint. If no action is taken within 24 hours, the entire Goa will erupt,” Fernandes warned.
Echoing the sentiment, Congress leader Yogesh Govekar alleged a deliberate attempt to disturb communal harmony in the State.
“Such statements are aimed at dividing Goans. Immediate arrest is the only acceptable response, failing which we will march to the Chief Minister’s residence,” he warned.
Several locals voiced deep hurt, asserting that the remarks have offended not just Christians but the collective sentiment of Goa. “This is not about one community – this is about Goa’s identity. Such attempts to create division must be dealt with firmly,” Parvati Nagvenkar said.
In a parallel move, Congress workers from Mapusa also filed a complaint at the Mapusa police station, reiterating the demand for Khattar’s arrest over his alleged derogatory comments.
Later in the evening, Congress workers filed similar complaints at Calangute and Saligao police stations.
A senior police official confirmed that all complaints received in the matter will be forwarded to the Vasco Police Station for further investigation and necessary action.
As pressure mounts on the authorities, the situation remains tense, with the threat of widespread protests looming if swift action is not taken.
