Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 8: Tensions escalated in Goa on Sunday as members of the Christian community demanded the arrest of Subhash Velingkar, former Goa unit chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), over his controversial remarks about Catholic missionary St Francis Xavier. Protesters, including locals and political leaders, gathered in Old Goa, calling for legal action against Velingkar. Demonstrations also spread to Margao city in South Goa, where a group of protesters blocked a national highway and clashed with police, resulting in the detention of five individuals.

In response, the Goa Church urged peace and restraint while expressing strong condemnation of Velingkar’s statements, which they described as deeply offensive to Catholics and others who revere the saint. The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) called on the authorities to take strict legal action, accusing Velingkar of attempting to disturb communal harmony.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized the BJP, accusing it of deliberately inciting communal tensions, not only in Goa but across India, to divide communities.

Despite more than 12 complaints being filed against Velingkar for ‘hurting religious sentiments’, he has not yet been arrested. Velingkar sought anticipatory bail, but his request for interim relief was denied, with the case scheduled for further hearing on Monday.