Team Herald
PANJIM: Businessman Datta Naik, who has been booked under Section 299 of the BNS by Canacona Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, filed for anticipatory bail before the Sessions Court on Wednesday. The Margao District and Sessions Court is scheduled to hear the bail plea on Thursday, January 9.
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Naik, who describes himself as a “staunch atheist”, is accused of making remarks against all temples and priests, with particular reference to Jevottam Mutt in Partagal. However, he later expressed regret over his choice of words, stating that he could have avoided using the word “loot” and that his intention was to refer to the act of extracting money.
Speaking on a local TV channel, Naik allegedly stated that he does not donate a single paisa to temples as they “loot money”. The comments were specifically directed at the priests of Partagal Mutt.
Canacona Police have filed an FIR against Naik, who is a Sahitya Akademi award winner and a well-known Konkani writer.
Although complaints have been filed by local residents and religious organisations, Naik has stood by his remarks, acknowledging that while his choice of words could have been better, his stance remains unchanged.
Satish Bhat, a Poinguinim resident and senior member of Hindu Sanghatana, has accused Naik of using derogatory language against temples and of insulting religious sentiments.
Acting on the complaint, Canacona Police have registered an offence and booked Naik under Section 299 (Deliberate and malicious act intended to insult the religious beliefs or religion of any class) of the BNS 2023.
