Controversy in Goa: Ex-RSS Chief Velingkar's Bail Plea Under Scrutiny

Subhash Velingkar, former RSS chief in Goa, is embroiled in a legal battle over remarks allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The Bombay High Court's Goa Bench will decide his pre-arrest bail after a local court rejection. His cooperation with the police could influence his arrest status.

The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court is set to deliberate on the pre-arrest bail plea of Subhash Velingkar, former head of the state's RSS, on October 14. This follows Velingkar's lawyer's assurance of client cooperation with police proceedings scheduled for Thursday.

Velingkar is embroiled in a case stemming from his controversial remark deemed offensive to religious sentiments about St Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint. This has sparked widespread protests across the state, adding pressure to the legal proceedings.

After a lower court turned down Velingkar's bail plea, the High Court heard assurances from the prosecutor on non-arrest upon cooperation. Meanwhile, multiple intervention petitions have been filed, including those from significant political figures, marking heightened interest in the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)