MARGAO
A group of citizens from Salcete on Sunday lodged a complaint with the Margao police against what they described as a highly divisive, provocative and malicious post/video clip allegedly aimed at spreading communal hatred.
In the complaint, Carmo Carneiro, along with villagers from Navelim, stated that the person named in the complaint had allegedly made malicious and hateful remarks against the entire Goan Catholic community and the Goan diaspora across the globe.
They said the speech had hurt the religious sentiments of various communities and was intended to incite violence, disturb social peace, and promote enmity and division on religious grounds.
Saying that the video clip was self-explanatory, the citizens demanded the immediate registration of an FIR against the person under relevant sections of the BNS and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
“The criminal intent of the said video clip is apparent, as it is aimed at disrupting communal harmony and creating unrest within civil society and poses a grave threat to public order and safety,” the complaint stated.
They demanded that the Margao police register an FIR against the person under applicable provisions of the law and investigate the matter thoroughly, including verifying the authenticity of the video and its dissemination. They also sought appropriate legal action to ensure accountability and prevent further instances of such unlawful conduct.
Social activist Pratima Coutinho, who accompanied the citizens, urged the Margao police to register an FIR against the person, saying hate speech was not acceptable as it promoted communal hatred among various sections of society.
