Call on police to register complaint against Rajdeep
Protesters submit a memorandum to Police Inspector Vijay Shirodkar at Valpoi Police Station urging immediate legal action against actor Rajdeep Naik.
VALPOI
Widespread anger erupted across Sattari taluka after noted Goan theatre director and actor Rajdeep Naik allegedly made objectionable remarks about the people of the region during a protest held in Panaji over proposed amendments to the Town and Country Planning department law.
In protest, a large number of citizens from various parts of Sattari gathered and marched to the Valpoi Police Station. The protesters demanded that authorities register a complaint against Naik for allegedly insulting the region and its people.
A memorandum was submitted to Police Inspector Vijay Shirodkar, urging immediate legal action. Protesters warned that Naik must visit Valpoi and issue a public apology by February 28. They cautioned that failure to do so would lead to intensified agitation.
The issue gained further momentum after a video of the alleged remarks circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp criticism from citizens. Following a public appeal, residents assembled in large numbers on Wednesday afternoon to express their anger and press for accountability.
Protesters stated that insulting or defaming a particular region or its people is punishable under Indian law and insisted that appropriate legal action be taken.
At a subsequent press conference, community leaders reiterated their demand for a public apology in Valpoi. They also announced their opposition to staging Naik’s theatrical productions in Sattari taluka, warning that any attempt to organise his performances would be prevented.
Speakers emphasised that theatre is meant to promote awareness and unity, and described the alleged remarks as an affront not only to the residents of Sattari but also to the larger theatre community.
Several local representatives participated in the protest, including Valpoi Municipal Chairperson Prasanna Gawas, councillors Vasyuddin Sayyed, Sahazeen Shaikh, Sarfaraz Sayyed, and Shaikh Faizal, Zilla Panchayat member Namdev Chari, Nilesh Parwar, sarpanches Amit Shirodkar and Shivdas Madkar, and former Zilla Panchayat member Sagun Wadkar.
