The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the attack on social activist Rama Kankonkar, following his shocking statement alleging the involvement of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.
Speaking to the media, AAP State President Adv Amit Palekar said these were “no ordinary allegations” and that the incident had severely shaken public confidence in Goa’s law and order machinery.
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“Rama’s statement has cast serious doubt on the integrity of the BJP government and warrants a thorough, impartial investigation. Both the Chief Minister and the Tourism Minister must step aside until the inquiry is completed,” Palekar asserted.
He emphasised that the probe must be conducted by an independent judicial committee, not by the Goa Police, which he claimed was under the control of the same government whose top leaders were being accused.
“How can the public place trust in the Goa Police when there is clear political interference? When the Chief Minister himself is under suspicion, the possibility of a fair and transparent probe is non-existent,” he added.
Palekar warned that the issue went beyond an attack on one individual and had become a test of Goa’s democratic foundations and governance standards.
“This is no longer about Rama alone — it concerns every Goan. When citizens live in fear and political leaders are named in violent attacks, it’s a clear sign that Goonda raj has deeply entrenched itself in Goa. The masterminds behind this must be unmasked and brought to justice,” he said.
“Justice delayed in this case will only reinforce the perception that the BJP government is shielding its own. The people of Goa deserve to know the truth, and the culprits must be held accountable,” he concluded.
