PANAJI: A wave of protests swept across Goa on Monday, as people across religious communities, along with political leaders, took to the streets demanding the arrest of YouTuber and spiritual thinker Gautam Khattar over his derogatory remarks against the State’s patron saint, St Francis Xavier.
Protesters also demanded a public apology from Khattar and called for a complete ban on his entry into Goa.
Demonstrations were held outside Vasco Police Station, while similar protests also erupted at Margao Police Station, Santa Cruz and Cumbarjua.
The controversy began during the ‘Bhagwan Parshuram Janmotsav’ event held in Vasco, where YouTuber and spiritual speaker Gautam Khattar allegedly made offensive remarks against St Francis Xavier, including referring to the saint as a “terrorist.”
“We will not move until he is arrested and issues an apology to all Goans. He has no right to speak about our patron saint,” said an angry protester outside the police station.
Vasco Police registered an FIR against Khattar under Sections 299 and 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said spiritual speakers visiting Goa must not disturb communal harmony and organisers must act responsibly while hosting public events. Speaking during the launch of Career Jagor, he confirmed that an FIR had been filed and assured action.
“Inquiry will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against the speaker,” the Chief Minister said. He further stated that organisers must ensure invited speakers do not make statements that hurt sentiments or disrupt peace in the state.
During the Vasco event, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Mormugao BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar and Vasco BJP MLA Krishna Salkar were present. Both Godinho and Salkar later issued statements condemning the remarks and clarified they were not organisers of the event.
Minister Godinho said the organisers had not informed them about the speakers. “We were shocked and twice tried to ask the organiser to stop the speech. Two chits were sent. However, someone from the audience asked him to continue. If we had forcefully intervened, it could have created a law and order issue. Action should be taken,” he said.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders led by Yuri Alemao met the Director General of Police (DGP) demanding Khattar’s immediate arrest, warning that failure to act could lead to a law and order situation.
The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee also condemned the remarks and demanded a permanent ban on individuals delivering hate speeches in the state.
Siolim BJP MLA Delilah Lobo also called for strict action, saying, “It is wrong for anyone to make derogatory remarks against any religion. Speak about your own religion rather than insulting others.”
