Mapusa/Panaji : Former Congress state president Girish Chodankar and tribal leader Govind Shirodkar on Sunday appeared before the Mapusa police in connection with FIRs filed against them for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Also, social activist from Salcete Warren Alemao appeared before the Panaji police on Sunday evening after the police registered an FIR against him over allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Chodankar, who was questioned for nearly three hours on Sunday, said an AI-generated video was posted to draw the government’s attention to the issue of casino vessels in the Mandovi river and their environmental impact.
FIRs were registered against Chodankar and Shirodkar at Mapusa police station.
A member of Swarajya Gomantak organisation had filed a police complaint against Chodankar for sharing a video of Ganga Aarti on social media. The complainant maintained that the video hurt religious sentiments and demanded action. Accordingly, an offence was registered and Chodankar was summoned for questioning. The police reportedly asked him around 150 questions during the session. Shirodkar also appeared before the Mapusa police, which recorded his statement.
The police had registered an offence against the ST leader for intentionally posting and circulating derogatory content on social media platforms targeting Hindus and hurt sentiments.
In this connection one Sujan Naik had lodged a police complaint.
The FIR against Alemao was registered following a complaint by Karni Sena’s state president Santosh Rajput.
The police said the complainant alleged that Alemao and other members intentionally made statement/demands for a ban on Sanatan and Sanatani, i.e. Hindus across Goa thereby promoting enmity between religious groups and outraged religious feelings amounting to public mischief.
Speaking to mediapersons, Chodankar clarified that the video was not intended to hurt religious sentiments but to highlight concerns regarding casino vessels and the discharge of sewage into the river, and its ecological, environmental and social impact.
“Casino vessels are occupying the Mandovi, and sewage is being discharged into it. I posted the video to draw the government’s attention to these serious issues and to target the BJP,” Chodankar said.
He further questioned whether criticising the BJP government amounts to hurting religious sentiments.
Terming the FIR as politically motivated, Chodankar alleged that it was an attempt to silence him from speaking against the government.
“I have not hurt anyone. The law will take its course,” he said, adding that he cooperated with the investigation and would appear again, if required.
“I myself am a follower of Hinduism and had no intention of hurting anyone’s sentiments. The video was created using artificial intelligence and does not disrespect Mother Ganga,” Chodankar added.
