YouTuber’s Comments on Goa’s Patron Saint Lead to FIR and Apology by Organizers

Incident Overview

Goa Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against YouTuber Gautam Khattar for allegedly making derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The FIR was lodged following an event held on Saturday in Vasco, where Khattar reportedly made the controversial statements, prompting significant political and social backlash.

The remarks occurred during the ‘Bhagwan Parshuram Janmotsav’ event, which was organized by the Sanatan Dharm Raksha Samiti Mormugao. The event was notable for the presence of state Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and BJP MLAs Sankalp Amonkar and Krishna Salkar. Following the remarks, a formal complaint was submitted at the Vasco police station by Peter D’Souza, president of the Cortalim block Congress committee.

Police Response

A senior police officer in South Goa confirmed that the FIR has been registered under charges for “hurting religious sentiments,” and emphasized that the investigation into the matter is ongoing. This incident has stirred public sentiment and raised concerns regarding communal harmony in the region.

Apology from Event Organizers

The Sanatan Dharm Raksha Samiti, the group that organized the event, responded to the backlash by distancing themselves from Khattar’s comments. They issued an apology to the Christian community, stating, “It is an unfortunate incident, and we condemn the remarks made by the speaker. We did not expect Khattar to make such a statement, and we immediately stopped him from continuing.” This statement aimed to reaffirm their commitment to communal harmony.

Political Reactions

Various political figures have condemned Khattar’s remarks, calling for his immediate arrest. Amit Patkar, president of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, stated that such insensitivity poses a serious threat to Goa’s long-standing communal harmony. He demanded stringent action against Khattar and accountability for the organizers and political leaders present at the event.

In a similarly strong statement, the Aam Aadmi Party highlighted that Khattar’s comments hurt the sentiments of numerous Goans who hold St Francis Xavier in high regard. They referred to the incident as a misuse of an auspicious event and urged for calm among the populace, while demanding the arrest of Khattar and highlighting the risks to communal harmony in Goa.

The Goa Forward Party, represented by its president Vijai Sardesai, also criticized the statements made by Khattar, labeling them as an affront to the sentiments of millions of devotees. Sardesai remarked that such irresponsible rhetoric fuels societal divisions and hatred.

Historical Significance of St Francis Xavier

St Francis Xavier, often referred to as “Goencho Saib” or Lord of Goa, arrived in Goa in 1542 during the Portuguese colonial period. His mission, sanctioned by King John III, was focused on reviving Christianity among Portuguese settlers. The remains of this influential Jesuit missionary have been housed at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa since 1624, marking his enduring legacy in the region.