Panaji: Himachal Pradesh police on Friday detained YouTuber Gautam Khattar, against whom an FIR has been registered in Goa after he made alleged derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier.
Detention and Arrest Details
Director general of police (DGP) Alok Kumar said that based on the inputs of Goa police, Himachal police detained Gautam at Kullu. “Goa police team will leave for Himachal to get Khattar to Goa, and they are expected to return on Saturday,” Kumar said.
Goa has seen protests across the state over the YouTuber’s remark. Protesters have demanded that if Goa police fail to make the arrest till 5pm on Friday, they will call for a Goa bandh.
Legal Developments
The judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) Vasco on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against the YouTuber, against whom an FIR has been registered in Goa after he made derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier. The JMFC also remanded Gautam’s brother Madhav in four days’ police custody in the case.
At police’s request, the court issued an NBW against Gautam for non-compliance with the 35(3) BNSS notice. This notice is issued by police and directs a person to appear before an investigating officer to be investigated in a case.
Preventive Measures
Goa police have already issued a lookout notice against Gautam to ensure he does not leave the country. The crime branch team has brought Madhav, a co-accused in the case, to Goa for further investigation.
