A gathering of approximately 150-200 individuals congregated outside the police station in Vasco da Gama, Goa, urging for the arrest of Catholic priest and social activist Bolmax Pereira.

The demand stemmed from Pereira’s comments made during a religious celebration regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The police have taken action against Pereira under sections 295A (intentional acts to provoke religious sentiments) and section 504 (intentional insult intended to incite breach of peace), following a complaint submitted by a group of individuals on Thursday evening. However, the crowd persisted in their demand for his immediate arrest.

Vasco police inspector Kapil Nayak stated, “An FIR (first information report) has been registered, and the investigation into the matter will now commence.”

A circulated video on social media captured the Catholic priest saying, “While the Maratha warrior king was a national hero, some people had made him into a god.”

Pereira’s sermon continued, “There are a few people for whom Shivaji has become a god. Shivaji is not a god. Yes, he’s a national hero. We have to honor and respect him. What he has done, the battles he has fought to protect his people, for all that he deserves respect. He is a hero, but not a god.”

This video gained traction on social media platforms, triggering outrage among Shivaji admirers.

Subsequently, the priest expressed his apology for his statements and indicated that his remarks were taken out of context.

He conveyed his astonishment upon learning that his sermon was “selectively taken out of context” to showcase only one aspect of his statement.

He highlighted that the other part, which praised Shivaji’s valor, heroism, and his defense against invaders to safeguard his people and kingdom, was deliberately omitted to incite anger and division among communities.

He stated, “If any individual or organization has been hurt due to this episode and misunderstanding, I express my deepest regret and hope and pray that the enduring bond between communities that have coexisted for centuries remains intact and becomes even stronger.”