Non-bailable warrant issued in Goa against Gautam Khattar over St Francis Xavier remarks

A Judicial Magistrate First Class in Vasco has issued a non-bailable warrant against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar, sought by Goa Police for alleged offensive remarks about St Francis Xavier. Police say he failed to appear despite notice. The case follows a viral video and an FIR for hurting religious sentiments.

A court in Vasco has issued a non-bailable warrant for right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar. Goa Police want Gautam Khattar in a case over alleged offensive remarks about St Francis Xavier. Police said Gautam Khattar has been missing since an FIR was filed. The FIR accused Gautam Khattar of hurting religious sentiments.

Superintendent of police Crime Branch Rahul Gupta said Gautam Khattar did not cooperate with the probe. The officer said Gautam Khattar ignored a notice and did not appear before the investigating officer. Judicial Magistrate First Class, Vasco, then issued the warrant, Rahul Gupta told reporters on Thursday. Police said searches began last Saturday.

Goa Police warrant against Gautam Khattar

The case followed a video that spread widely online. It showed Gautam Khattar making objectionable statements against St Francis Xavier. The saint’s Holy Relics are preserved at Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Old Goa. The video drew strong public anger and led to the police case.

Police said the remarks were made during a public event on Saturday evening. Religious guru Swami Brahmeshanand attended the programme. State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho was present at the event. BJP MLAs Sankulp Amonkar and Daji Krishna Salkar also attended, officials said.

Goa Police Look Out Circular LOC for Gautam Khattar

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said authorities were trying to find Gautam Khattar quickly. Pramod Sawant said the state aimed to stop Gautam Khattar from leaving India. Officials said the Goa Crime Branch issued a Look Out Circular LOC. The Bureau of Immigration was alerted, they added.

Officials said multiple police teams were sent outside Goa. These teams are camping in several cities across the country, officials said. The goal is to trace Gautam Khattar, who police said has been untraceable. The warrant and LOC were used to tighten enforcement during the search.

Goa Police arrest of Madhav Khattar in Gautam Khattar case

Rahul Gupta said police arrested Gautam Khattar’s brother, Madhav Khattar, from Uttarakhand on Wednesday. A court remanded Madhav Khattar to four days of police custody, Rahul Gupta said. Deputy Superintendent of Police Gurudas Kadam told protesters that Madhav Khattar was allegedly involved in drafting speeches.

Gurudas Kadam also said Madhav Khattar was accused of uploading the content on social media. Police linked this activity to the circulation of videos and speeches online. Investigators are checking how the remarks were prepared and shared. Police have not said when Gautam Khattar will be produced before court.

Goa Police protest over Gautam Khattar remarks

More than 100 people protested in Vasco town on Thursday. Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of Gautam Khattar. They also asked police to act against the event organisers. The crowd included former state revenue minister Jose Philip DSouza and other local leaders, officials said.

Protesters alleged the organiser, Sanatan Dharma Raksha Samiti, Mormugao, knew Gautam Khattar’s background. They said several videos with derogatory statements against St Francis Xavier were already online. Despite that, Gautam Khattar was invited to speak, they alleged. Police said the investigation is continuing.

Police said Gautam Khattar founded the organisation Sanatan Mahasangh. Officials said the event marked Bhagwan Parshuram Janmotsav and was organised by Sanatan Dharma Raksha Samiti, Mormugao. The non-bailable warrant, the Look Out Circular LOC, and wider searches remained in place. Police said efforts to trace Gautam Khattar were ongoing.

With inputs from PTI