FIR against YouTuber for derogatory remarks on SFX

Vasco/Margao: Vasco police on Sunday filed an FIR against YouTuber Gautam Khattar for use of derogatory language, after his objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, at the Bhagwan Parshuram Janmotsav event in Vasco on Saturday kicked up a storm in the state.

SP (Vasco sub division) Gurudas Kadam told TOI that FIR was filed late on Sunday night following complaints.

Cortalim block Congress committee (CBCC) president Peter D’Souza had filed a police complaint against Khattar, terming the incident “shameful”. “The incident has hurt the sentiments of the Christian community and disturbed communal harmony in Goa,” he said.

The event was organised by Sanatan Dharm Raksha Samitt, Mormugao.

Transport minister Mauvin Godinho and BJP MLAs Sankalp Amonkar and Krishna Salkar were among those present at the event.

Opposition parties have condemned the remarks. Leader of the opposition Yuri Alemao demanded that chief minister Pramod Sawant take immediate action and ensure Khattar’s arrest. “Such divisive and hateful statements have no place in Goa, a land known for communal harmony. We will not allow anyone to disturb our unity or disrespect our faith. This case must be dealt with an iron hand,” he said.

Fatorda MLA and GFP president Vijai Sardesai called the remarks “an insult to the sentiments of millions of devotees in Goa and across the world who revere St Francis Xavier as a symbol of faith, service and compassion”.

AAP Goa president Valmiki Naik wrote to DGP Alok Kumar demanding immediate suo motu action against Khattar. “The comment is a deliberate and desperate attempt to ignite communal disharmony,” he said. “Such statements could incite tensions and disrupt harmony.”