Protesters seek SIT; question delay in arrests of accused
Supporters of Hindu organisations gathered outside the police headquarters, Panaji in protest over alleged hurtful statements against the Hindu religion.
PANAJI
Hundreds of supporters of Hindu organisations gathered outside the police headquarters, Panaji and staged a protest demanding action against three persons, including a Congress leader and a political aspirant over alleged hurtful statements against the Hindu religion.
The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Goa police seeking the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the arrests of Warren Alemao, Govind Shirodkar and Girish Chodankar. They alleged that derogatory remarks had been made against Hindu deities while questioning the delay in action.
Raising concerns over alleged selective enforcement, the group claimed that a complaint against Chodankar had been pending at the Mapusa police station for over two-and-a-half months without arrest. They questioned the government’s stance on the issue.
“Just as immediate action was taken in the case of Gautam Khattar, similar action should be taken against those making derogatory statements about Hindu Gods,” Abhay Vartak of Sanatan Sanstha said.
As the protest continues till late hours, Hindu Ekta Manch issued a three-day ultimatum to the police to arrest Shirodkar, Alemao, and Chodankar. They warned that if no action is taken within the stipulated time, they will mobilise supporters from Hindu organisations.
FIR lodged against three at Mapusa
Meanwhile, the Mapusa Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) following complaints regarding alleged derogatory remarks posted on social media against Hindu deities. Lookout notices are also issued against Babet, Chelsea and Mascarenhas, booked for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through social media posts. Police suspect that the accused are absconding and may be outside Goa.
