Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, May 3: A confrontation between journalists and YouTuber Gautam Khattar at the Crime Branch office has escalated into a wider show of solidarity for the press, with political leaders across parties voicing support for Goan media on World Press Freedom Day.
Khattar, who was released on bail on Saturday evening in connection with a hate speech case linked to remarks on St Francis Xavier that allegedly hurt religious sentiments, turned confrontational during what began as a routine media interaction.
When questioned about his earlier remarks, he said the matter was sub judice but went on to criticise Goan journalists, accusing them of lacking decorum and ethics. The comments drew immediate backlash, with reporters accusing him of evading accountability and the exchange quickly turning into a heated verbal face-off.
The incident triggered strong political reactions. AAP MLA Venzy Viegas extended support to journalists and urged the public not to fall into polarisation. “Support the media personnel and maintain respect. This has nothing to do with religion,” he said, highlighting broader civic concerns.
AAP Goa chief Valmiki Naik also backed the media, describing Khattar as a “troublemaker” and commending journalists for standing firm.
Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai called for restraint, cautioning against amplifying divisive narratives and stressing the need for communal harmony.
Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar termed the remarks “disgraceful and unacceptable,” while GPCC media department chairman Amarnath Panjikar said questioning the ethics of Goan journalists was baseless and deeply insulting. He noted that the state’s media has consistently played a vital role in strengthening democracy through fearless reporting.
The Goa Union of Journalists also condemned the comments as “generalised and irresponsible,” asserting that they do not reflect the reality of journalism in Goa.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has not issued any statement on the matter so far.