Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 3: Goa Congress leader Girish Chodankar on Sunday said he was questioned for nearly three hours by police in connection with an FIR registered against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Speaking to reporters, Chodankar clarified that the social media post in question was aimed at criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party and not directed against any religion.

The case was registered after he quoted an ‘aarti’ in his post to highlight pollution in the Mandovi river caused by offshore casinos. The issue triggered protests outside the state police headquarters by members of the Hindu Ekta Samiti, who accused him of distorting a Durga ‘aarti’.

“How can I hurt the sentiments of Hindus when I myself am a Hindu? I was asked all sorts of questions for over three hours. They had a list of 150 questions. I showed them the video and explained that it was against the BJP and not against any religion,” Chodankar said.

He appeared at the Mapusa police station around 4 pm after being served a notice in connection with the FIR.

Alleging political pressure, Chodankar claimed the case was filed to target him.

Police said that Chodankar, along with tribal leader Govind Shirodkar and social worker Warren Alemao, has been booked in separate cases for allegedly hurting religious sentiments