VASCO, May 3 -- A massive crowd at the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court at Vasco on Saturday was met with disappointment as controversial right-wing activist Gautam Khattar was granted conditional bail for allegedly making derogatory statements against St Francis Xavier. Protesters slammed the move, asserting that the early release sends a damaging signal to secular harmony across the State.

Rebuffing the prosecution's concerns that Khattar's massive social media reach could trigger further communal disharmony, the court released him on strict conditions, including a travel ban.

Judge Pooja S Dessai ordered that Khattar be released on executing a personal bond of Rs 30,000 with two sureties of Rs 15,000 each. He has been ask...