In a key development, the Goa Police have transferred the investigation into the alleged objectionable remarks made by right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar against St Francis Xavier to the Crime Branch for further investigation.
The case was registered at Vasco Police Station as Crime on April 19 under Sections 299 and 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
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According to an order issued by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Range) Ved Prakash Surya, the probe has been handed over to the Crime Branch Police Station at Ribandar with immediate effect, underscoring the sensitivity of the matter.
The Police Inspector of Vasco Police Station has been directed to transfer all case papers, updated case diaries, and any seized muddemal property to the Crime Branch without delay.
Senior officials said the Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch, has been tasked with assigning the probe to a competent officer and closely monitoring the investigation.
Meanwhile, SP Crime Branch Rahul Gupta confirmed that the agency has swung into action. “Multiple teams of the Crime Branch are working on the case to apprehend the accused as soon as possible,” he said.
The transfer, cleared with the approval of the Director General of Police, indicates the seriousness of the case, though police have not disclosed further details.
Sources indicated that efforts are underway at multiple levels, with teams actively tracking leads to crack the case at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant issued a strong warning, stating that anyone attempting to hurt the sentiments of Goans will not be spared.
Speaking to reporters, he said the accused is likely to be arrested within the next two days and brought to Goa. The Chief Minister assured that strict action would be taken in accordance with the law.
