MAPUSA
A group of citizens from Mapusa on Tuesday filed a complaint at the Mapusa Police Station, seeking the registration of an FIR against Gautam Khattar for allegedly making derogatory remarks about St Francis Xavier.
In the complaint, the citizens said Khattar used “outrageous, blasphemous and insulting” language against Goa’s patron saint during a speech in Vasco.
They claimed the remarks were made deliberately and with malicious intent, and could incite religious hatred, create communal tension, and disturb public peace.
“The statements have hurt the sentiments of the Catholic community and risk creating tension between communities that have long lived in harmony,” the complaint said. It added that such remarks could promote enmity between Hindu and Christian communities.
The complainants urged the police to register an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and to take swift action against the accused.
The complaint was led by Sanjay Barde and signed by several other citizens, who have demanded the immediate registration of an FIR and Khattar’s arrest.
