Goa police chief cautions against posting derogatory posts on social media; “No disharmony, please”

The police chief’s appeal comes in the aftermath of unrest in the state in recent days following alleged controversial remarks made by an activist, Shreya Dhargalkar, against the devotees of a Goddess and a community. Last week, hundreds of devotees had stormed the police station in Bicholim demanding the activist’s arrest for hurting religious sentiments.Dhargalkar, who later apologised, was arrested and is currently in judicial custody.

Mapusa police on Monday also booked two youths for posting derogatory comments on social media “in respect of religious rituals performed in Shirgao, and for outraging the religious sentiments”.

DGP Singh told The Indian Express, “We are taking action in such cases as per the provisions of the law. There was a recent case which led to protests. So, I have appealed to the public to refrain from posting derogatory remarks on social media and to maintain harmony.”

On Monday, Michael Lobo, BJP MLA from Calangute, called for stringent measures including a legislation for mandatory detention of a fortnight to a month without bail for offenders who put up such social media posts.

“There is a need for robust legislation to ensure that those accused of hurting religious sentiments are jailed immediately without bail. This will send a clear message that such actions are unacceptable,” Lobo told media persons.

Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant also recently said that “irresponsible statements against any religion, which incite tension, would not be tolerated”.

“We will register FIRs against those making irresponsible statements and action shall be taken as per the law,” Sawant said last week.

Stating that the government will crackdown against anyone making objectionable statements on any religion, Sawant said, “Today, anybody with a mobile phone posts their thoughts on social media. But, if their statements are controversial, the government will not keep quiet.”