A self-styled spiritual thinker and YouTuber, Gautam Khattar, has been arrested by police in Himachal Pradesh in connection with allegedoffensive remarksagainst St Francis Xavier, a deeply revered figure in Goa. The arrest comes days after outrage erupted across the coastal state over a viral video of his speech, which triggered protests and multiple complaints alleging that his remarks hurtreligious sentimentsand attempted to incite communal discord.
Khattar was arrested in Kullu district by Himachal Pradesh police following inputs from Goa Police, bringing an end to a multi-state search operation. Confirming the development, Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta said, "Based on inputs provided by the Goa police, the Himachal Pradesh police arrested the main accused Gautam Khattar in Kullu district this evening. A Crime Branch team will soon take his custody and bring him to Goa."
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A non-bailable warrant had earlier been issued against Khattar by a Goa court. An FIR was registered in Panaji last week under charges of hurting religious sentiments after his speech at an event in Vasco went viral. The Crime Branch later took over the investigation from the local police.
The controversy centres on remarks made by Khattar during an event held on April 18, attended by religious figures and political leaders. The speech, which was allegedly recorded and circulated by his brother, quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread backlash.
Khattar’s brother, Madhav Khattar, was earlier arrested from Haridwar and has been named a co-accused in the case. According to police, he not only accompanied Gautam Khattar to the event but also recorded and circulated the video of the speech online.
Investigators said Madhav was involved in coordinating logistics for the event, including travel arrangements, accommodation and a payment of Rs 51,000. Officials also stated that the speech delivered by Gautam Khattar was allegedly prepared by him.
"Gautam Khattar's brother Madhav Khattar was apprehended in Haridwar after police teams kept surveillance and tracked his movements. He has been placed under arrest and is being brought to Goa for further investigation," a police official told PTI.
The remarks, targeting St Francis Xavier, whose relics are preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, drew strong condemnation from religious groups, political leaders and civil society organisations across Goa. The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman described the statements as “hateful and malicious”.
The Association of All Goa Muslim Jamats also condemned the remarks and called for strict action. Its president said, "Freedom of Expression cannot be misused as a licence to insult religious figures and provoke communal disharmony."
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