Residents of Maina, Curtorim, led by Moreno Rebello, hand over a complaint to PI Kapil Nayak, seeking an inquiry into the alleged role of Minister Mauvin Godinho in the Gautam Khattar incident. Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
A busload of residents from Maina, Curtorim, visited the local police station on Tuesday, demanding an inquiry into the role and conduct of Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho in connection with Gautam Khattar’s alleged hate speech against St Francis Xavier.
Led by Curtorim Congress leader Moreno Rebello, the residents submitted a complaint to PI Kapil Nayak, seeking action against Khattar for his alleged derogatory remarks, which they said hurt the religious sentiments of the people.
In his complaint, Rebello requested that it be taken on record as information disclosing cognisable offences. He urged the police to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the role and conduct of Mauvin Godinho, and to examine all relevant material, including electronic records, communications and public statements.
The complaint further stated that if any act or omission by a public servant was intended to shield the accused from legal consequences or to obstruct lawful proceedings, it could attract provisions related to misconduct by a public servant and obstruction of justice under applicable law.
Rebello also said that statements and actions attributed to Mauvin Godinho after the incident, as reported in the media and on public platforms, suggest an attempt to downplay or defend Khattar, or to reduce the seriousness of the allegations.
“Such conduct, especially from a public servant holding high office, raises serious concerns about possible misuse of position, interference in a fair investigation, and undermining public confidence in the justice system,” he said.
He added that the timing, nature and tone of the statements and actions attributed to Mauvin Godinho, when seen in the context of the original offence, raise concerns about a possible prior understanding or coordination between those involved.
