The Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) has submitted a formal complaint to police authorities demanding immediate registration of an FIR against Gautam Khattar, Founder – “सनातन महासंघ” over alleged hate speech delivered at a public event in Vasco.
In a complaint addressed to the Vasco Police Station and the Director General of Police, the association alleged that Khattar made “blasphemous utterances” during the “Bhagwan Parshuram Janmotsav” event organised by the Sanatan Dharma Raksha Samiti at Tilak Maidan on April 18.
According to the complaint, Khattar made remarks targeting St. Francis Xavier, including calling him a “terrorist” (Atankwadi), claiming his body “rotted and was eaten by maggots” (Kidde), and stating “neither his soul nor body survived” (Na atma bachi, na sharir bacha).
The association stated that these remarks were recorded on video and described them as “calculated religious provocation to drive animosity among citizens of Goa, wound religious feelings, and create a communal divide with ulterior motives.”
St. Francis Xavier’s feast, held annually on December 3, draws large numbers of pilgrims to Goa, with his relics at Old Goa receiving daily veneration from locals and visitors.
Legal Sections Invoked
CAG has sought action under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 196: Promoting enmity between religious groups
- Section 299: Deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings
- Section 303: Uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings
- Section 353(2): Statements creating public mischief
The complaint also calls for Khattar’s arrest under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), describing the offence as non-bailable and cognisable.
Allegations Against Public Representatives
The association has further named Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Vasco MLA Daji Salkar, and Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, alleging that they were present at the event and did not intervene.
In the complaint, CAG stated that their presence and silence amounted to:
- “Lending state legitimacy to hate speech”
- “Violating constitutional oath under Article 51A(e)”
- “Breaching public duty as elected representatives”
- “Abetting the crime”
The organisers of the event were also accused of complicity for inviting the speaker.
Demands for Immediate Action
CAG has demanded that police:
- Register an FIR within 24 hours against Khattar, the organisers, and the named public representatives
- Arrest Khattar
- Prohibit future events by the organising body under Section 163 BNSS
- Seize audio-visual evidence from organisers and media personnel
The complaint states, “Goa cannot become a hate speech free-for-all zone,” adding that immediate action is necessary “to protect Goa’s communal harmony — the foundation of its pluralistic ethos.”
Boycott Call
CAG President Cyril A. Fernandes said the elected representatives had “witnessed the speech without protest,” “lent legitimacy to hate speech,” and “abetted the crime.”
He also called for a public boycott of the three leaders until they issue an apology “at the feet of St. Francis Xavier’s relic at Old Goa.”
A delegation of members, accompanied by Vasco residents, submitted the complaint to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer in Mormugao. SDPO Gurudas Kadam heard the delegation and “assured quick and stern action.”
CAG has indicated that it will pursue the matter with higher authorities if FIRs are not registered.
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