Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: With the Crime Branch taking custody of Gautam Khattar following the controversy over his remarks on St Francis Xavier, investigators are now widening the scope of the inquiry to include his previous public statements and activities.
According to official sources, sleuths are expected to analyse whether Khattar’s earlier speeches, delivered across multiple states, provide a broader context to the present case and could influence any subsequent legal proceedings. The probe is likely to involve scrutiny of video recordings, transcripts, and other material from his past addresses.
Khattar, who heads the Sanatan Mahasangh and often identifies himself as a “spiritual beat journalist,” has previously faced criticism from civil society groups and opposition voices over alleged inflammatory rhetoric. Several of his speeches in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have drawn attention for comments targeting minority communities.
Investigators are expected to assess whether any of these statements fall under provisions related to hate speech, incitement, or actions that could disturb communal harmony. Some speeches delivered during 2024 and 2025, particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, had sparked controversy after circulating widely on social media, with allegations that he advocated social and economic boycotts.
Sources further indicated that authorities are also examining the possibility of imposing preventive restrictions on Khattar’s entry into Goa. However, officials clarified that any such decision would depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation and directions issued by the court or district administration.
So far, there has been no official confirmation linking Khattar’s past speeches directly to the current case.
