PANAJI
Goa, long celebrated for its communal harmony, peace, and unity among diverse communities, has in recent times witnessed a troubling rise in verbal attacks on religion”often from within its own society. While remarks by non-Goan YouTuber and spiritual thinker Gautam Khattar against Goencho Saib triggered widespread outrage and brought communities together in protest, the State has also seen instances where locals themselves have targeted religious sentiments, raising concerns over a shifting social fabric.
The Goan looks back at some of the key incidents reported over the past five years.
Parshuram ‘Goencho Saib’, not St Francis Xavier: Velingkar
In 2022, former Goa RSS chief Subhash Velingkar sparked controversy by stating that St Francis Xavier- revered as Goa’s patron saint, should not be referred to as “Goencho Saib,” asserting instead that Lord Parshuram holds that distinction. He further alleged that St Francis Xavier was responsible for the Inquisition in Goa, calling it inappropriate to regard him as a saint or protector of the State.
Velingkar, who was dismissed from the RSS in 2016, also launched “The Goa Files,” highlighting the Inquisition during Portuguese rule. His remarks triggered widespread protests across Goa, eventually prompting him to clarify that he was not against the Catholic community but opposed what he termed as “distorted history.”
‘Shivaji a national hero, not a god’: Fr Bolmax
In August 2023, Fr Bolmax Pereira courted controversy during a sermon in which he described Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a “national hero” but “not a god.” The statement drew sharp reactions, with several groups claiming it hurt Hindu sentiments.
He was booked for allegedly offending religious sentiments, leading to protests across the State by groups including Bajrang Dal and Rajput Karni Sena, who demanded his arrest. Anticipating legal action, the priest sought anticipatory bail and later expressed regret over his remarks.
Objectionable remarks against Prophet Muhammad, Islam
In September 2023, Muslim organisations filed complaints at police stations in Panaji, Margao, Ponda, and Mapusa, alleging that individuals using fake Instagram accounts had posted objectionable content targeting Prophet Muhammad and Islam.
Police registered an FIR and arrested an accused, who denied intent to hurt religious sentiments but admitted to using the controversial image as a profile picture. The incident sparked widespread outrage within the Muslim community.
Call for DNA test of St Francis Xavier’s relics
In October 2024, Subhash Velingkar again triggered controversy by calling for a DNA test of the relics believed to be those of St Francis Xavier. The remark drew strong condemnation from the Catholic community and opposition parties, who accused him of disturbing communal harmony.
Protests were held across the State demanding his arrest, following which an FIR was registered at Bicholim police station. Velingkar went absconding for a period before being granted anticipatory bail. He has been associated with campaigns seeking to elevate the status of Parshuram in Goa’s cultural narrative.
‘Unite against love jihad’: Telangana BJP MLA
In December 2024, BJP MLA from Telangana T Raja Singh stirred controversy during a visit to Goa by making remarks about the Muslim population and referring to “love jihad.” Speaking at an event organised by Bajrang Dal, he urged Christians to join Hindus in a “united fight” against the phenomenon, claiming it affected both communities. His comments drew criticism for being divisive and raising communal tensions.
‘Shivaji a guerrilla warrior’: Uday Bhembre
In March 2025, noted Konkani writer and activist Uday Bhembre faced protests and police complaints over remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In a YouTube video, Bhembre challenged claims that Shivaji controlled most of Goa and described him as a “guerrilla warrior” focused on territorial expansion.
The comments sparked protests by groups including Bajrang Dal, who accused him of distorting history and insulting a revered figure. Demonstrations were held outside his Margao residence, with demands for a public apology. While some organisations condemned the protests against the 86-year-old writer, Bhembre criticised the State government for allegedly backing the agitators.
Derogatory posts against Prophet Muhammad
In September 2025, tensions flared after derogatory posts targeting Prophet Muhammad surfaced on social media, triggering protests and police complaints by members of the Muslim community. The posts, which included offensive imagery and language, were widely condemned as disrespectful.
Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to outraging religious sentiments, promoting enmity, and incitement. The incident once again underscored the growing concern over the misuse of social media to inflame religious sensitivities.
Julus controversy
It is an annual controversy within two groups. Hindu organizations, including Hindavi Swaraj Sanghatan, RSS, and Bajrang Dal, have been demanding a permanent ban on the Julus (procession) planned by the Muslim community for Eid-ul-Milad, arguing it was not a traditional practice in the area. In 2024 and 2025, the situation escalated in Canacona, Cuncolim, Margao and Mapusa, after local authorities denied permission for the procession following objections from the Hindu groups.
Clashes on Ram Navami
In April 2022, tensions flared after members of the Ram Navami procession alleged that stones were thrown at them from the roof of a house in the predominantly Muslim neighbourhood. This led to clashes between members of the Hindu procession and individuals from the Muslim community. Verbal clashes escalated into physical confrontations, with reports claiming that some members of the procession had entered a nearby mosque with their shoes on while Muslims were offering Namaz. Vasco police registered multiple cases based on complaints from both sides, and 13 individuals were arrested in connection with the clashes.
