PANAJI
As angry residents marched to Vasco police station today demanding the arrest of absconding YouTuber Gautam Khattar and calling his brother Madhav’s arrest an eyewash, South Goa SP Gurudas Kadam said Madhav played a key role in the offence. Addressing the crowd, he assured that local police were assisting the Crime Branch, which is now probing the FIR against the main accused.
“Madhav Khattar prepared Gautam’s speech on St Francis Xavier and circulated it. He was also present during the event where Gautam made the controversial remarks,” the SP said addressing the large crowd.
He further stated that under sections of ‘common intention or criminal conspiracy’ will be charged against Madhav. SP Kadam was responding to protestors' claims that Madhav's arrest is an eye wash.
“Ongoing investigation is likely to implicate more accused persons as part of the investigation. With further evidence, appropriate action will be applicable to the accused,” the officer added.
The protesters demanded that the organisers of the program should also be arrested. One protester alleged that Gautam Khattar had made similar derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier in 2021 as well yet the duo brothers were invited.
The SP, to this, explained that the organisers were also interrogated. “We did call the organisers for interrogation when the situation escalated... Owing to security concerns, we had to let them go after recording statements,” SP said.
The officer also explained the efforts being made by Goa police to track Gautam Khattar and strengthen the investigation, with CM monitoring the probe.
