MAPUSA
The controversy over alleged derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier has intensified, with fresh details suggesting that Gautam Khattar “ now in police custody “ had made similar statements months before the recent public outrage.
Khattar, founder of the Sanathan Mahasangh, was taken into custody after his remarks at a public event on April 18, 2026, at Tilak Maidan in Vasco triggered widespread protests across the State.
The remarks were seen as hurting religious sentiments and promoting communal disharmony.
However, complainants now say this was not an isolated incident.
According to a police complaint filed by Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira, along with Candolim resident Roshan Mathias and Aldona resident Joseph Fernandes, Khattar had uploaded a video on Facebook on October 29, 2025, in which he allegedly made similar inflammatory claims about the saint.
The complaint states that Khattar described St Francis Xavier as a “terrorist” and made several claims accusing him of violent acts. The complainants say these claims are historically baseless and intended to incite hatred against the Christian community.
The video, which reportedly received thousands of interactions, is being cited as evidence of a pattern of behaviour.
The complainants have urged the police to register an FIR under Sections 299, 196 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, stating that the remarks were made deliberately to outrage religious sentiments and create enmity between communities.
They have also questioned references in the video to the “Pelourinho Novo” in Old Goa, saying there is no reliable historical evidence to support such claims.
The issue has sparked strong public anger in Goa, with protests across communities, as both Catholics and non-Catholics have condemned the remarks.
The complainants say the statements have not only insulted religious beliefs but also disturbed public order.
Referring to a 2023 Supreme Court directive on prompt action against hate speech, they have urged authorities to act swiftly, even suo motu, to prevent further escalation.
With Khattar in custody and earlier digital evidence now surfacing, the case is expected to widen as police examine whether the alleged remarks are part of a broader pattern aimed at spreading communal discord.
