The Vasco judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) in Panaji on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against YouTuber Gautam Khattar, who faces an FIR in Goa for making derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier. The court also remanded Gautam's brother Madhav to four days of police custody in connection with the case.
Non-Bailable Warrant Issued
At the request of the police, the court issued the NBW against Gautam for non-compliance with a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This notice requires a person to appear before an investigating officer for questioning. The Goa police have also issued a lookout notice against Gautam to prevent him from leaving the country.
Brother Remanded to Police Custody
The crime branch team brought Madhav, a co-accused in the case, to Goa from Haridwar for further investigation. Police arrested Madhav for filming Gautam's remarks at the Goa event and broadcasting them on social media platforms. Crime branch superintendent of police (SP) Rahul Gupta confirmed that Madhav Khattar has been remanded in four days police custody in the Vasco case being investigated by the crime branch.
Vasco police initially filed an FIR against Gautam on Sunday for using derogatory language. However, following public pressure, the case was transferred to the crime branch. Protests continue in some parts of the state demanding Gautam's arrest, even as multiple teams of the Goa police are trying to ascertain his whereabouts.
