Naik denies insulting Sattari locals, says remarks were misinterpreted

Rajdeep Naik and Amit Palekar speaking to the media at Valpoi Police Station.

VALPOI

Clarifying his remarks made during the protest against the Town and Country Planning Department, noted Goan theatre director and actor Rajdeep Naik said he had not used any derogatory words against the people of Sattari.

He said his statement was taken out of context and circulated on social media in a way that may have hurt public sentiments, but added that there was no need for him to apologise. Naik also warned that if phone threats related to the issue continue, he would take legal action against those responsible.

In connection with the matter, some residents from Sattari filed a police complaint alleging the use of objectionable language and sought registration of an offence. Following this, the police registered a case and issued a summons.

Accordingly, Naik appeared at the police station on Friday morning along with his legal counsel, Amit Palekar, and cooperated with the inquiry. According to available information, the actor has also applied for anticipatory bail.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Naik reiterated that since he had not used any abusive words, the question of apologising did not arise. Meanwhile, Palekar said that Naik’s remarks had been misinterpreted.

Referring to a programme held at Savarde in the presence of the Chief Minister, he claimed that Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had spoken about mobilising 45,000 people from Sattari as a show of strength, which he described as a form of intimidation, and questioned why no case had been registered in that instance.

Naik further said that the people of Sattari had always shown love and appreciation for his plays, and expressed regret that some individuals were trying to defame him by twisting his words. He added that even if some groups had decided to ban his play, it would not affect his theatre work.

He also made an emotional remark that if any unintended or inappropriate words had come from him regarding Sattari residents, the presiding deity should punish him. He said he had fully cooperated with the police inquiry and suspected that the case might have been filed under pressure.

Stating that he was prepared to face any challenges ahead, he added that attempts to silence voices through the use of power would not succeed.