PANJIM: After evading police for days and triggering statewide outrage, Gautam Khattar — the prime accused in the derogatory remarks case targeting St Francis Xavier — was finally detained in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, marking a decisive breakthrough in a case that has gripped Goa.
Goa Police confirmed that Khattar’s arrest followed coordinated operations based on technical intelligence shared with Himachal Pradesh authorities. “As assured by the Chief Minister, prompt action has been taken. The main accused has been detained, and a Crime Branch team will take custody and bring him to Goa,” the police said, underlining the high-stakes nature of the pursuit.
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Khattar had allegedly fled Goa immediately after delivering the inflammatory speech in Vasco last week — remarks that sparked widespread anger among Goans both within the state and across the diaspora. The delay in his arrest had drawn mounting criticism and raised questions over the pace of the investigation.
The crackdown had already intensified earlier this week when the JMFC court in Vasco issued a non-bailable warrant against Khattar, escalating efforts to track him down.
Investigators are now expected to piece together the full scope of the case, including possible links and coordination, as Khattar is brought back to Goa for custodial interrogation.
His brother, Madhav Khattar, who was earlier tracked down in Dehradun and brought to Goa, remains in four days’ police custody. Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Rahul Gupta said the custody is crucial to “establish links and determine the extent of involvement in the case.”
Even as the arrest came through, political pressure had been building. AAP MLA Venzy Viegas had submitted a memorandum to the Crime Branch, flagging what he described as a “slow pace” of the investigation and demanding regular updates.
“I submitted the memorandum because there was a slow pace as far as the investigation was concerned. Khattar fled the State after the inflammatory statement, and we were not getting any information. I came here to ask the SP why there was no action. I have come here to seek updates. We need updates at least every 12 hours. However, I have now received the news that they have finally arrested Gautam Khattar in Himachal Pradesh, and they are in the process of bringing him back,” he said.
Striking a more conciliatory note after the arrest, he added, “The men in uniform have done a good job. The SP has done a good job. It is a good development. Now the next step is that he is brought back and punished. I congratulate the Goa Police, the entire Crime Branch, and SP Rahul Gupta. I now call upon people to participate in the Spirit of Goa programme being held in Colva. I welcome everyone — come in large numbers.”
“The punishment will send a message that no one should use religion to gain political mileage,” he said.
