Look Out Circular issued; co-accused held for scripting, filming and circulating video
PANAJI
While YouTuber Gautam Khattar remained elusive for the second day, the Crime Branch arrested his brother Madhav Khattar, alleging that he helped script, record and circulate the controversial video containing derogatory remarks on St Francis Xavier that sparked outrage in Goa.
A Look Out Circular against Gautam has also been issued with the Bureau of Immigration alerted to prevent him from leaving the country.
Madhav was taken into custody in Haridwar on Tuesday after CB officers, who had been camping there and monitoring Gautam's movements, tracked him down following overnight surveillance.
Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta, who has been personally monitoring the probe, told the media on Wednesday that the co-accused is being brought to Goa for further questioning.
The case, initially registered at Vasco Police Station, was transferred to the CB as several complaints are being filed against Gautam for making hate speeches to create communal discord in the State.
The SP further said that organisers of the event were summoned for questioning on Tuesday, during which the CB learnt that Madhav had accompanied his brother to Goa for the programme and was allegedly involved in coordinating his visit.
"Organisers have further stated that they were in touch with Madhav for coordination and logistical arrangements for Gautam’s presence at the event. Madhav had agreed to Gautam’s presence on the condition of flight tickets, accommodation and Rs 51,000," the officer said.
The probe also found that Madhav recorded the video in which Gautam made the remarks against St Francis Xavier and later helped disseminate it on social media platforms.
The investigation team also claimed its inquiry had found that the speech delivered by Gautam had been prepared by Madhav, leading police to name him as a co-accused in the case.
The CB teams are stationed in several cities across India as part of the search for the absconding accused Gautam.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday vowed strict action against right‑wing influencer Gautam Khattar, accused of making offensive remarks against St Francis Xavier during a public event in Vasco, adding that he will be arrested wherever he is found and brought to Goa.
Sawant said he and the Director General of Police are personally monitoring the investigation.
“The matter is being taken very seriously. Once located, Khattar will be arrested and brought straight to Goa,” he told reporters after chairing a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
A police team has already reached Dehradun, Uttarakhand, to trace Khattar. Officers visited his residence late Tuesday night but did not find him. He remains absconding.
Khattar's Instagram account restricted
PANAJI: Gautam Khattar’s Instagram account has been restricted in India following a legal request. Officials said he faces charges of maligning the image of St Francis Xavier and delivering hate speeches aimed at disturbing communal harmony.
Sawant assured that the government will not allow anyone to disrupt Goa’s social fabric. “The inquiry is being conducted with utmost seriousness. The truth will be brought out and strict legal action will follow,” he said.
