Hindus, Christians living as second-class citizens in Pakistan… that may happen here: Ex-Mumbai top cop

Former Mumbai police commissioner Julio Ribeiro’s remarks come under fire by BJP in Goa, party says it reflects ‘deep political bias’

At an event on Tuesday, Ribeiro had said, "Hindus and Christians in Pakistan are living in fear as second-class citizens… that may happen here (in India). This is what I fear." (File)

Former Mumbai police commissioner Julio Ribeiro’s recent remarks on the condition of minorities in India, made at a book launch event in Goa recently, has prompted the ruling BJP to accuse the retired IPS officer of “deep political bias”.

On Wednesday, BJP’s state unit released a statement expressing “profound disappointment and concern” over the statement.

At an event on Tuesday, Ribeiro had said, “Hindus and Christians in Pakistan are living in fear as second-class citizens… that may happen here (in India). This is what I fear.”

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent interaction with members of the Christian community in Delhi on Christmas, Ribeiro said he was “trying to woo a big Christian community in Kerala”.

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“One of the bishops has fallen for it. I feel because one has fallen, others perhaps may also fall. Let’s see what he (Modi) is trying to do. Even among our friends, they have started understanding that many of the things he said were only for votes. It is hoped that his Christmas message is probably a change of heart. If it is, it will be a good thing. But I doubt it, since the whole intention is to have a saffronised Pakistan,” Ribeiro had said.

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Giriraj Pai Vernekar, the Goa BJP spokesperson, said, “Ribeiro’s comparisons of Bharat with Pakistan are not only unfounded but deeply offensive to the ethos and achievements of our great nation… Using words like ‘saffronised Pakistan’ shows his deep hatred and frustration at having a government in power that possibly does not conform to his ideology. But, to demean the country in an attempt to belittle the government is unbecoming of a former cop.”

Ribeiro did not respond to calls and messages seeking a comment.

Pavneet Singh Chadha

Pavneet Singh Chadha is the Goa Correspondent of The Indian Express. His reporting focuses intensely on the state of Goa, covering major developments in politics, governance, and significant local events, which establishes his high degree of Expertise and Authority in the region. Expertise Geographic Expertise: As the Goa correspondent, Pavneet provides on-the-ground, comprehensive coverage of Goa's political, social, and cultural landscape, ensuring readers receive timely and localized insights. Key Coverage Focus: His recent work demonstrates deep investigative capabilities and a focus on high-impact stories, including: Investigative Reporting: Extensive coverage of complex events such as major incidents (e.g., the Goa nightclub fire), tracing the legal, political, and safety lapses involved. Government and Law Enforcement: Detailed tracking of police actions, deportations, and legal proceedings related to significant local cases. Policy and Governance: Reporting on the judiciary (e.g., Goa High Court flagging illegal structures) and the actions of government departments. He tweets @pub_neat ... Read More

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