PANAJI:
The main accused, Gautam Khattar, has been detained by the Himachal Pradesh Police in Kullu district in connection with derogatory remarks made against St Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint.
In a press statement issued, Goa police said that Khattar was traced and detained following specific inputs shared by the Goa Police.
A Crime Branch team from Goa is expected to take custody of the accused and bring him to the State for further investigation, they said.
At a ‘Bhagwan Parshuram Janmotsav’ event held in Vasco, South Goa, Saturday, Gautam Khattar — who describes himself as a “spiritual beat journalist” on social media and is the founder of Sanatan Mahasangh — allegedly made objectionable remarks against the revered patron saint of Goa. The event was organised by the Sanatan Dharma Raksha Samiti, Mormugao.
The statement caused outrage among sections of the public in Goa leading to the registration of a case in multiple police stations.
Khattar is booked for hurting religious sentiments and was absconding since the registering of FIR. A non bailable warrant was also issued against him.
Khattar’s brother, Madhav Khattar, was arrested by Goa Police two days ago in connection with the same case.
