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Subhash Velingkar’s anticipatory bail, in connection with remarks against St Francis Xavier, rejected

Freddy Fernandes

PANJIM: The anticipatory bail of former RSS Chief Subhash Velingkar was rejected by the Additional Sessions Court on Monday. The Additional District Court denied interim relief to former RSS Goa Chief Subhash Velingkar in relation to the FIR filed against him for allegedly offending statements against St Francis Xavier.

The Panjim Sessions Court commenced hearing arguments regarding Subhash Velingkar's application for anticipatory bail on Monday morning. Four intervention applications were filed in opposition to the anticipatory bail application.

Velingkar’s Adv Vinayak Porob argued that Subhash Velingkar had not committed any crime. The utterances about the DNA test is only a suggestion. He did not start the debate regarding the identity of St Francis Xavier, Velingkar's attorney Porob argued in Court. He stated that the situation has been hyped due to political reasons.  
“Why should I draw attention away from the government's scam when I am not an official representative and am willing to assist with the investigation?”
Adv Vinayak Porob, Velingkar's Counsel

While the first complainant Velim MLA Cruz Silva argued that it is cognizable offence and that Velingkar has hurt the sentiments of Goans.

  “Subhash Velingkar has offended Catholics with his remarks, so if he is worried about the Rs 400 cr government is spending on exposition, he ought to also discuss the Rs 1,000 cr government scams,"
Adv Amit Palekar, attorney for intervenor Cruz Silva.
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