Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Goa Police File FIR Over BJYM Protest Against Kharge
Goa Police filed a case against members of the BJP’s youth organization after a protest against Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
The protest happened during Kharge’s visit to Goa on August 17.
The protesters showed him black flags because they alleged he had insulted Vande Mataram.
A Congress leader complained to police the next day.
Police registered the case on August 22 under provisions about unlawful assembly.
Congress says the case is too weak.
It claims protesters blocked Kharge’s convoy and attacked security personnel.
BJP youth organization members led the protest, but the allegations have not been established in court.
Goa Police registered an FIR against BJYM members over a protest during Mallikarjun Kharge’s August 17 visit.
The protesters, led by Goa BJYM president Tushar Kelkar, showed black flags to Kharge over an alleged insult to Vande Mataram.
Congress leader Archit Naik filed a complaint against the protesters on August 18.
Dabolim Airport Police invoked Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 189(2) and 189(3), concerning unlawful assembly.
Congress called the FIR an “eyewash,” alleging police omitted provisions concerning rioting, obstruction, assault, and threats.
- Who
- Goa Police, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha members led by Tushar Kelkar, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Congress leaders.
- What
- Police registered an FIR over a BJYM protest in which black flags were shown to Kharge; Congress criticized the sections used.
- When
- The protest took place on August 17; the complaint was filed on August 18, and the FIR was registered on August 22.
- Where
- During Kharge’s visit to Goa, with the case registered by Dabolim Airport Police.
- Why
- BJYM said the protest concerned an alleged insult to Vande Mataram; Congress said the protest obstructed Kharge’s convoy and involved attacks on security personnel.
Congress’s position
BJYM protesters’ position
Whether the FIR is sufficient
Congress’s position
Congress called the FIR an “eyewash” and said police omitted more stringent provisions related to rioting, unlawful restraint, assault, threats, and other alleged conduct.
BJYM protesters’ position
BJYM members were named in an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions concerning unlawful assembly after their protest.
Conduct during the protest
Congress’s position
Congress alleged that protesters obstructed Kharge’s convoy, attacked security personnel, used flag sticks to attack, and behaved abusively and threateningly.
BJYM protesters’ position
The reported account says BJYM members showed black flags to Kharge over an alleged insult to Vande Mataram; it does not provide a detailed response from BJYM to Congress’s allegations.
- Protesting organization
- Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM)
- Congress president involved
- Mallikarjun Kharge
- Protest date
- August 17
- Complaint date
- August 18
- FIR registration date
- August 22
- Police station
- Dabolim Airport Police
- Sections invoked
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 189(2) and 189(3), concerning unlawful assembly