Demand for special court, scrutiny of funding and organisers
MARGAO
Amid rising communal remarks and widespread public outrage, citizens of Cuncolim, backed by political and civic leaders, have demanded a fast-tracked investigation into the derogatory remarks made by YouTuber Gautam Khattar against St Francis Xavier, who for most Goans is Goencho Saib.
Speaking at a meeting in Cuncolim to discuss such frequent incidents that pose threats to communal harmony, former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes lauded the Himachal Police and the Goa Police for coordinated efforts in arresting the accused.
He asserted that the offence appeared to be a calculated design to disturb the centuries-old communal fabric of Goa and demanded that the government should constitute a special court to fast-track the trial.
“While we demand speedy investigation, the immediate establishment of a Special Court to fast-track the trial will be fair to all including the accused. Justice delayed in such matters that affect religious sentiment will embolden elements to engage in more such activities in future. The State of Goa must show it will not tolerate hate speech and promotion of enmity between communities,” Gomes stated.
Adding weight to the demand, Retd SP Sammy Tavares highlighted the need for a broader investigation into the logistics of the event. Tavares pointed out that the arrest of the accused’s brother for drafting the speech shows that this was a coordinated effort.
“This was not a spontaneous act by one individual. There is a clear element of criminal conspiracy,” said Tavares. “The investigation must look into the organisers, the funding, and the digital promotion of this hate speech. Every person who played a role in this conspiracy to incite communal disharmony must be brought to book.”
Meanwhile, several others lauded the people of Goa of all religious affiliations for showing unity in condemning the incident and demanding justice in the matter.
