Mon Oct 07 23:22:24 UTC 2024: ## Goa Erupts in Protests After Politician Demands DNA Test of St. Francis Xavier’s Remains

**Panaji, Goa:** Tensions have escalated in Goa following a controversial demand by former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar for a DNA test of the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, kept at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa.

Velingkar’s statement, claiming that Xavier cannot be considered “Goencho Saib” (patron of Goa) and questioning the authenticity of his remains, has triggered widespread outrage among the Christian community in Goa.

Protests erupted across the state on Friday and Saturday, with hundreds of people demanding Velingkar’s arrest. Police were forced to use lathicharge to disperse the protesters in Margao.

The Christian community accuses Velingkar of hurting their religious sentiments and disrupting communal harmony. They argue that his demand for DNA testing is an insult to their faith and heritage.

Meanwhile, Velingkar, who was expelled from the RSS in 2016, has gone into hiding. Police are conducting raids to locate him and an FIR has been registered against him under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly making a derogatory speech against St. Francis Xavier.

The controversy has also brought to light the long-standing debate about the authenticity of Xavier’s remains. Buddhist communities in Sri Lanka and around the world have been demanding an investigation into the remains, believing them to belong to a revered Buddhist monk, Rahula Thero, instead.

While the Christian community of Goa has vehemently opposed any such claims, the controversy has raised questions about the historical accuracy and cultural significance of the remains, which are set to be displayed publicly from November 21st to January 5th.

The current situation highlights the deep-rooted historical and religious tensions in Goa, a state with a diverse and complex cultural heritage. The government, under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, has appealed for peace and promised swift action against Velingkar. However, the protests and the growing demand for a thorough investigation into the remains of St. Francis Xavier suggest that the controversy is far from over.

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