The transfer comes two days after the Vasco Police registered an FIR against Khattar on April 19, 2026, under Sections 299 (outraging religious feelings) and 196 (promoting enmity) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“The criminal case registered at Vasco Police Station under Sections 299 and 196 of BNS dated April 19, 2026, has been transferred to the Crime Branch Police Station with immediate effect for further investigation,” an order issued by Deputy Inspector General of Police Ved Prakash Surya said.
The DIG also directed the Vasco Police to hand over all case papers, updated case diaries and any attached muddemal property to the Crime Branch.
The order further instructed Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch, Rahul Gupta, to assign the investigation to a competent officer and personally monitor the case.
Speaking to the media, the SP said multiple Crime Branch teams are working to arrest the accused as soon as possible.
Khattar, however, remains untraceable. South Goa Police said on Monday that he left Goa shortly after delivering the controversial speech in Vasco last Saturday, following which the FIR was registered.
Meanwhile, protests continued across the state, with people demanding his immediate arrest, a public apology, and a complete ban on his entry into Goa.
Demonstrations were held outside the Vasco Police Station, with similar protests reported at Margao Police Station, Santa Cruz and Cumbarjua on Monday.
Police have also received several complaints over the past two days.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has warned that spiritual speakers visiting Goa must not disturb communal harmony and said organisers should act responsibly while hosting public events.
