Vasco : After hearing arguments in the bail plea, the Vasco JMFC court granted bail to 18-year-old Madhav Khattar, brother of Gautam Khattar, on a personal bond of Rs 10,000 with one surety of the same amount. Gautam is the main accused in the St Francis Xavier derogatory comments case.
The hearing concluded on Tuesday morning. The court observed that the main accused in the case, Gautam had already been arrested. It further held that there were no grounds for further custodial interrogation of Madhav in the case.
Counsel for Madhav, advocate Amey Prabhudesai said that the police submitted before the court that Gautam had written the speech delivered at the Vasco event and that Madhav had no role in the matter. He said this was the main allegation against Madhav and that it had been clarified during the proceedings.
Madhav was arrested by the Crime Branch in connection with the case involving a speech containing derogatory statements against SFX that was also circulated on social media.
Prabhudesai also said that due process of law was not followed in Madhav’s arrest. He said that guidelines require issuance of notice in offences where punishment is below seven years. He said that in this case the procedure was not followed and that Madhav’s arrest was not required.
Gautam Khattar admitted to North District Hospital
Mapusa: YouTuber Gautam Khattar, in the custody of Goa Police for making derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier during a public event in Vasco, was admitted to the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa on Tuesday evening after complaining of chest pain, dehydration and diarrhoea. Sources said that following a medical examination, doctors admitted him to the hospital’s custody ward, where he remains under observation and treatment.
While being shifted to the ward, Khattar declined to respond to media queries and was heard chanting “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram”.
