Raising concerns over the integrity of the investigation into the brutal assault on activist Rama Kankonkar, activists and politicians in Goa have demanded the arrest of a sitting Cabinet Minister, who they allege is the mastermind behind the attack.
Eight accused persons have been arrested by the Panjim Police so far. However, activists said that the real mastermind, who allegedly paid “supari” to the attackers, remains free. They announced plans to petition the Prime Minister and the Governor of Goa, seeking justice for Kankonkar.
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It has been 10 days since the assault, with police yet to arrest the alleged political figure accused of orchestrating the attack.
Congress MLA Questions Police Claims
Aldona Congress MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira rejected SP North Rahul Gupta’s claim that police had already arrested the mastermind, Zenito Cardozo. Ferreira alleged that the true mastermind is a sitting Cabinet Minister, whom he referred to as the “Godfather General.”
Analysts See a ‘Cloud of Suspicion’
Political analyst and AITC national spokesperson Trajano D’Mello said the investigation into the “murderous attack” on Kankonkar has left people with doubts.
“The cry for zeroing in on the mastermind is falling on deaf ears. Since Rama has been taking up various issues, the investigating team seems to be waiting for him to reveal who could have ordered the brutal assault,”
— D’Mello
He further hinted that Kankonkar may have already shared the mastermind’s name with close associates.
Civil Society Raises Alarm
Social activist Tanoj Adwalpalkar expressed disappointment at the way the probe is unfolding.
“We were happy that the police arrested the assailants and hoped they would nab the mastermind. We now suspect politicians are interfering in the probe. The ongoing investigation is not on the right track,”
— Adwalpalkar
He added that the people of Goa “already know who the mastermind behind the attack on Kankonkar is.”
‘Tomorrow It Could Be Anybody’
One of the activists warned that the assault on Rama Kankonkar sets a dangerous precedent.
“Today it’s Rama and tomorrow it could be anybody who is raising his voice against injustice in the State. Don’t prompt us to take law into our hands,”
— an activist said.
‘A Murderous Attack, Not Just Intimidation’
Activist Xencor Polgi stressed that while activists in Goa have faced threats in the past, the attack on Kankonkar was an attempt to silence him permanently.
“This was a murderous attack. The assailants smeared cow dung on Rama’s face. Rama was fighting against hill cuttings, illegal land conversions, coal transportation, and also against land for IIT. It can also happen to media persons because there is complete lawlessness in the State. People are not safe, and we will not allow the issue to be diverted,”
— Polgi said.
‘Police Must Reveal the Mastermind’
Social activist Fidol Pereira questioned the credibility of the investigation.
“The police should reveal the name of the mastermind. They are giving incorrect information and there is no proper update about the ongoing probe. By remanding all the accused in judicial custody, what are police trying to prove? Do they think we are fools? The police must conclude and tell us who the mastermind of the attack on Rama Kankonkar is,”
— Pereira demanded.
