VASCO: The 18-year-old, Madhav Khattar, accused in the Vasco hate speech controversy walked out of jail on Tuesday, even as the prime accused in the case — his brother — was rushed to hospital from police custody after complaining of chest pain.
Madhav Khattar was granted conditional bail by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Vasco, in connection with the April 18 incident involving derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier that had sparked widespread outrage across Goa.
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Hours after securing relief, Madhav stepped out following the court’s order granting him bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000 with a surety of like amount.
In a parallel development, Gautam Khattar — identified by investigators as the main accused who allegedly delivered the controversial speech — was shifted to the District Hospital in Mapusa. Police said he complained of chest pain during a routine medical examination and has been kept under observation. He remains in six-day police custody.
The court, while granting bail to Madhav, noted that further custodial interrogation was not required, citing that he had already been in police custody, no recovery was pending, and the primary accused had been arrested.
Counsel for Madhav, Advocate Amey Prabhudesai, argued that his client had no role in drafting or delivering the speech, maintaining that the investigating agency itself attributed the remarks solely to Gautam Khattar.
He also alleged procedural lapses in the arrest, claiming that mandatory safeguards under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita were not followed.
The case stems from a public programme in Vasco organised by the Sanatan Dharm Raksha Samiti, where the speech — later widely circulated on social media — triggered protests and police action.
