Panaji: As the protest intensifies, police are conducting multiple search across Goa and Maharashtra for Subhash Velingkar, who is been booked for hurting religious sentiments with his derogatory remark against St Francis Xavier.
Police informed that efforts are made to detain Velingkar and arrest him.
Meanwhile, on Sunday morning, members of the Christian community from Taleigao, Caranzalem, Panaji, St. Cruz, and Merces marched to the Panaji Police station, demanding Velingkar's arrest. Protesters sang hymns and prayed outside the station.
Heavy police presence was seen in Margao's old market area to prevent road blockages. Tensions escalated on Saturday night when police used batons to disperse a protest, leading to several injuries. A local youth, who was not part of the protest, reported being assaulted during the lathicharge while returning home from work.
In Vagator, angry locals blocked the Vagator-Anjuna road, burning tires and other materials in their demand for Velingkar's arrest. The situation turned violent when a photographer was also assaulted by police during the Margao protests, where many were detained.
In Valpoi, dozens marched to the police station, insisting that protests would continue until the government takes action against Velingkar. Valpoi Police Inspector Videsh Shirodkar urged protesters to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands.
