Amid rising communal tensions and widespread public outrage, citizens of Cuncolim, along with political and civic leaders, have demanded a fast-tracked investigation into derogatory remarks made by YouTuber Gautam Khattar against St. Francis Xavier, revered by many Goans as Goencho Saib.
At a meeting convened in Cuncolim to address recurring incidents perceived as threats to communal harmony, former bureaucrat and political leader Elvis Gomes commended the coordinated efforts of the Himachal Pradesh Police and Goa Police in arresting the accused. He described the incident as part of a larger, deliberate attempt to disrupt Goa’s long-standing communal fabric.
Gomes called on the government to establish a special court to expedite the trial process.
“While we demand speedy investigation, the immediate establishment of a Special Court to fast-track the trial will be fair to all including the accused. Justice delayed in such matters that affect religious sentiment will embolden elements to engage in more such activities in future. The State of Goa must show it will not tolerate hate speech and promotion of enmity between communities,” Gomes stated.
Supporting the demand, retired Superintendent of Police Sammy Tavares stressed the need for a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He pointed to the arrest of the accused’s brother, allegedly involved in drafting the speech, as evidence of coordination.
“This was not a spontaneous act by one individual. There is a clear element of criminal conspiracy,” said Tavares. “The investigation must look into the organisers, the funding, and the digital promotion of this hate speech. Every person who played a role in this conspiracy to incite communal disharmony must be brought to book.”
The meeting also highlighted the unity displayed by people across religious communities in Goa, noting that citizens from diverse backgrounds had collectively condemned the remarks and called for accountability.
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