Goa Christians Welcome Arrest of YouTuber Over Remarks on St. Francis Xavier

Christians in Goa welcome the arrest of YouTuber Gautam Khattar after alleged derogatory remarks against St. Francis Xavier sparked protests and communal concerns.

Newsroom (27/04/2026  Gaudium Press)  Christians in the western Indian state of Goa have welcomed the arrest of a popular YouTuber accused of making derogatory remarks about St. Francis Xavier, a revered 16th-century Jesuit saint and the region’s patron.

Gautam Khattar was arrested on April 24 in Himachal Pradesh and brought back to Goa after reportedly going into hiding following a controversial speech delivered on April 18. Authorities confirmed that he faces charges of “hurting religious sentiments” after allegedly referring to the saint as a “terrorist” during a public event.

St. Francis Xavier holds deep historical and spiritual significance in Goa, a former Portuguese colony with a sizable Christian population. Known locally as Goencho Sahib, or “protector of Goa,” the saint is credited with missionary work across Asia. His remains, preserved in a silver casket at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, are displayed publicly every ten years, drawing millions of pilgrims from India and abroad.

Following his arrest, a local court in Vasco remanded Khattar to six days of police custody on April 26. Khattar is also the founder of the Hindu organization Sanatan Mahasangh. Police had earlier placed him on a no-exit list amid reports that he attempted to flee the country.

The controversy stems from a Hindi-language video in which Khattar allegedly described the saint in inflammatory terms and criticized the preservation of his remains. The video triggered widespread outrage, prompting multiple police complaints and street protests led by Catholic groups across Goa.

Church leaders have urged restraint while supporting legal action. Father Barry Cardozo of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman emphasized that justice should proceed through due process, calling for “strong and exemplary punishment” if the accused is found guilty. He also noted that the incident sparked unity across religious communities, with Catholics, Hindus, and Muslims collectively demanding accountability.

“There have been earlier attempts at creating communal division among peace-loving Goans, but communal harmony has remained intact,” Cardozo said.

Authorities also arrested Khattar’s brother, Madhav, on April 22 in Uttarakhand. Police allege he assisted in preparing the speech and distributing the video online.

Some local voices have raised concerns about broader motives behind the incident. Father Bolmax Pereira suggested the remarks may have been politically motivated, possibly aimed at inciting division ahead of upcoming state elections. Catholic activist Elvis Gomes described the situation as a potential “criminal conspiracy,” urging investigators to examine those who may have orchestrated the speech.

Lawyer and activist Fatima Coutinho echoed these concerns, calling on police to identify any individuals or groups that may have influenced Khattar’s statements.

Despite the tensions, Goa’s reputation for interfaith harmony remains largely intact, with leaders across communities emphasizing unity and the rule of law as the investigation continues.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News

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