NT Reporter
Panaji
Youtuber Gautam Khattar, accused in a case involving objectionable and inflammatory remarks against St Francis Xavier, triggered fresh controversy soon after being released on conditional bail on Saturday.
While interacting with the media outside the Crime Branch office in Ribandar, Khattar advised journalists in Goa to follow journalistic ethics. He said he was a student of journalism and had completed a master’s degree in the subject.
His remarks came after a journalist asked about his health, as he had been hospitalised a few days after his arrest.
“Journalists must follow the ethics of journalism. I am also a student of journalism. I have done my master’s in journalism. I think Goans, especially media persons in Goa, don’t have the decorum of journalism,” Khattar said, adding that he describes himself on YouTube as a “spiritual beat journalist or half journalist and half YouTuber”.
Journalists present confronted Khattar, saying, “You created a religious stir here in Goa by your statements and over that you are calling yourself a journalism student and talking about ethics.”
Khattar did not respond further and left the spot along with his supporters.
His remarks drew criticism from the Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ), political leaders and citizens, who sought an apology.
“GUJ strongly condemns such generalised and irresponsible statements from Khattar as they do not reflect the state of journalism in Goa,” the GUJ said in a statement. “Khattar’s understanding of Goan journalists and journalism in Goa is limited at best. We do not need to take lessons from Khattar,” said GUJ president Rajtilak Naik.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Sunil Kawthankar said, “Such statements are not just an insult to journalists but an attack on the freedom of the press. I demand an unconditional public apology from Khattar.”
Amarnath Panjikar, chairman of the media department of the GPCC, said, “The media in Goa has always played a crucial role in strengthening democracy by reporting facts and raising issues that matter to the people.”
He said the GPCC demands that Khattar withdraw his statement and issue an unconditional apology to the media fraternity in Goa.
Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai said, “Elements from outside who try to spread communal tensions should not be rewarded with the publicity they seek, as they are now emboldened to teach our Goan journalists ethics. Responsible journalism means reporting without amplifying division. Goans must stay calm, uphold harmony, and not fall into the trap of provocation.”
