Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI/VASCO/MARGAO: A major controversy has erupted across Goa following alleged derogatory remarks against St. Francis Xavier, with police registering an FIR and political leaders from across parties calling for immediate and decisive action.
The Vasco Police have booked Gautam Khattar under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during a public event. The complaint was filed by Congress leader Peter D’Souza, who termed the incident unacceptable and demanded accountability not just from the speaker but also organisers and those present.
The issue escalated further after a second video surfaced from an event in Panaji, with Congress MLA Altone D’Costa alleging that another speaker made similar objectionable remarks about the revered saint. He questioned how such incidents were continuing despite the growing backlash.
The remarks have drawn sharp condemnation from leaders cutting across political affiliations. Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President Archit Naik described the comments as provocative and harmful to communal harmony, urging the government to act swiftly.
BJP MLA Michael Lobo also criticised the remarks, stating they had deeply hurt the sentiments of Goans and warning against attempts to create divisions in a state known for unity and mutual respect.
Congress leaders, including Assiz Noronha and Rajesh Verenkar, have filed complaints and demanded immediate arrest, especially over allegations that the saint was referred to in highly objectionable terms.
Senior leaders such as Amit Patkar and Vijai Sardesai warned that such statements pose a direct threat to Goa’s long-standing communal harmony and called for strict legal action without delay.
AAP representatives, including Venzy Viegas, echoed similar concerns, demanding not only the arrest of Khattar but also action against organisers and those who failed to intervene during the event.
Meanwhile, the Sanatan Dharma Raksha Samiti distanced itself from the remarks and issued an apology to the Christian community, stating the comments were unexpected and efforts had been made to stop them.
Several leaders also criticised the presence of Minister Mauvin Godinho and other elected representatives at the Vasco event, questioning their silence when the remarks were made.
With the FIR registered and fresh video evidence fuelling the controversy, pressure is mounting on authorities to widen the probe and take swift action to prevent any disturbance to communal harmony and uphold the respect associated with St. Francis Xavier, a figure revered across communities in Goa and beyond.
