he Goa Crime Branch on Wednesday intensified its investigation into the case involving alleged derogatory remarks against St. Francis Xavier, naming Madhav Khattar as a co-accused and placing him under arrest.
According to officials, organisers of the Vasco event were summoned to the Crime Branch for questioning. During the course of the investigation, it emerged that Madhav Khattar, brother of main accused Gautam Khattar, had accompanied him to Goa for the event.
Investigators have placed on record that the video containing the alleged derogatory statements was recorded by Madhav Khattar and subsequently circulated on social media platforms. Organisers also stated that they were in contact with Madhav for coordination and logistical arrangements related to Gautam Khattar’s participation in the event.
They further disclosed that Madhav Khattar had agreed to Gautam’s presence at the event on conditions that included flight tickets, accommodation, and a payment of Rs 51,000.
The probe has also revealed that the speech delivered by Gautam Khattar was allegedly prepared by Madhav Khattar. Police stated that Madhav not only scripted the speech but also recorded it with the intent of broadcasting it on social media, leading to his inclusion as a co-accused in the case.
Following surveillance operations, a Goa Police team that had been camping in Haridwar successfully located Madhav Khattar and apprehended him. He was formally arrested and is being brought to Goa for further investigation.
Gautham Khattar’s social media accounts have been taken down and the Crime Branch has issued a Look Out Circular against Gautam Khattar and alerted the Bureau of Immigration to prevent him from leaving the country.
Police teams have also been deployed in multiple cities across India to trace the main accused. Officials confirmed that further investigation in the case is ongoing.
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