YouTuber Gautam Khattar Remanded in Goa for Anti-St. Francis Xavier Remarks
YouTuber Gautam Khattar was arrested in Himachal Pradesh and brought to Goa on transit remand for allegedly making offensive remarks against St. Francis Xavier. His comments during an event in Vasco sparked widespread outrage and led to an FIR for hurting religious sentiments. Khattar, founder of Sanatan Mahasangh, is currently in Goa for further investigation.
Key Highlights
- YouTuber Gautam Khattar arrested in Himachal Pradesh.
- Flown to Goa on transit remand over St. Francis Xavier remarks.
- Allegedly called the saint a 'terrorist' and made derogatory comments.
- FIR registered for hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity.
- Remarks made at a 'Parshuram Jayanti celebrations' event in Goa.
- His brother, Madhav Khattar, also arrested in the case.
YouTuber and spiritual orator Gautam Khattar was arrested in Himachal Pradesh and subsequently flown to Goa on transit remand following a controversy over his alleged derogatory remarks against Saint Francis Xavier, the revered patron saint of Goa. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and protests across the coastal state.
Khattar, who is also the founder of the 'Sanatan Mahasangh' outfit, was apprehended in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a multi-day search operation by the Goa Police. A team from the Goa Crime Branch then took custody of Khattar and brought him to Goa by flight on Sunday afternoon, April 26, 2026, for further legal proceedings.
The controversy stemmed from an event held on April 18, 2026, in Vasco da Gama, Goa, identified as 'Sanatan Dharm Raksha Samiti's Parshuram Jayanti celebrations.' During his address at this event, Gautam Khattar allegedly referred to the 16th-century Spanish Jesuit missionary, Saint Francis Xavier, as a "terrorist" and a "cruel ruler." Furthermore, he is accused of making derogatory remarks concerning the saint's mortal remains, which are preserved as sacred relics at the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church in Old Goa.
The video of Khattar's objectionable statements quickly went viral, igniting a wave of outrage among various communities, particularly the Catholic community in Goa, for whom St. Francis Xavier holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. The comments were widely perceived as deeply hurtful and an affront to religious sentiments, prompting numerous complaints across police stations in Margao, Panaji, Vasco, Anjuna, and Old Goa.
Responding to the public outcry, the Goa Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Gautam Khattar on April 18, 2026, initially at the Vasco police station, which was later transferred to the Crime Branch due to the multiple complaints. The FIR was lodged under sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Prior to Gautam Khattar's arrest, his brother, Madhav Khattar, was also taken into custody from Uttarakhand on April 22, 2026. Madhav Khattar was implicated in the case after investigations revealed that he had allegedly prepared the controversial speech delivered by Gautam and had further facilitated its broadcast on social media platforms.
The incident garnered strong reactions from political figures and religious leaders alike. Opposition leaders, including Congress functionary Peter D'Souza, Congress MLA Altone D'Costa, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai, vehemently condemned Khattar's remarks and demanded his immediate arrest, emphasizing the need to preserve communal harmony in Goa.
The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman also issued a statement on April 20, 2026, expressing profound hurt and concern over the remarks, describing them as "derogatory and insulting" and highlighting how such divisive rhetoric wounds the sentiments of lakhs of Goans, both Catholic and non-Catholic, who venerate St. Francis Xavier. The Church urged civil authorities to take "immediate, strong and exemplary action" against those responsible for the alleged hate speech.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had assured that Khattar would be arrested within two days, a promise that was fulfilled with his detention in Himachal Pradesh. The case underscores the sensitive nature of religious sentiments in India and the legal repercussions for speech perceived as offensive or inciting communal discord. Gautam Khattar, who identifies himself as a 'spiritual beat journalist' and creates content promoting Sanatan Dharma on his YouTube channel, will now face a local court in Goa to determine his custody as further investigations proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gautam Khattar?
Gautam Khattar is an Indian YouTuber, journalist, writer, and orator. He is also the founder of the Sanatan Mahasangh, an organization focused on promoting Sanatan Dharma. He is known for his speeches and content related to Hinduism and Indian culture.
What remarks did Gautam Khattar make about St. Francis Xavier?
Gautam Khattar allegedly referred to the 16th-century Spanish Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier as a "terrorist" and a "cruel ruler" during a public event in Goa. He is also accused of making derogatory remarks about the saint's preserved remains.
Why was Gautam Khattar arrested?
Khattar was arrested in connection with a case registered by Goa Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between different groups through his remarks against St. Francis Xavier. The remarks sparked widespread outrage, leading to multiple complaints and an FIR.
What are the charges against Gautam Khattar?
He has been booked under sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
What is the significance of St. Francis Xavier in Goa?
St. Francis Xavier is the revered patron saint of Goa and holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the state's predominantly Catholic community, as well as being respected across other communities. His mortal remains are preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church in Old Goa, which attracts numerous pilgrims and visitors.
