A week after the brutal assault that left Goa stunned, activist Rama Kankonkar remains hospitalised at Goa Med ical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim — still in pain, still waiting for justice, and now, accord ing to doctors, potentially facing long-term psycho logical trauma. Though now able to speak, Kankonkar has re mained guarded about the assault and the identity of his attackers. “The po lice are yet to record my statement,” he said quite ly from his hospital bed, clearly still shaken. He has not spoken in detail about the events of that night. Physically, the activ ist continues to suffer. He reported pain in his shoulders, hands, and thighs, and has also com plained of blurred vision in his right eye. On Friday, he underwent an MRI scan. Every day, he is be ing taken to different de partments for check-ups and tests.
Kankonkar has been moved to the VIP ward at GMC and remains under police protection. But even the prospect of discharge brings new concerns. “I was told that I will be discharged from the hospital, but I still feel the pain and I cannot walk properly,” he told O Heraldo. “Also, I do not have a road access up to my house, which is situated about 200 metres from the main road.” That lack of access is a serious concern for his recovery. Kankonkar’s mother, speaking from the hospital, said the family is longing for his return — but worries about the challenges ahead. “During the day I remain here, while in the evening his wife Rati comes after work to take care of him,” she said. “Whenever a family member fell sick and was unable to walk, it was Rama who would lift them, bring them up to the road, and take them to the hospital,” she added. “Now Rama himself cannot walk properly. I just want him to heal completely.” Doctors treating Kankonkar say the recovery will take time, but his condition is stable.GMC Medical Superinten dent Dr Rajesh Patil stated, “Kankonkar will require five to six weeks before he can walk normally. But he is recovering well.” Another doctor involved in his care said, “All his medical investigations and reports are being analysed by doctors of different specialities. His condition is stable as of now. We are yet to conduct a few more investigations, and based on that, we will decide about his discharge in a couple of days.” As Kankonkar’s body begins the slow process of healing, people are waiting for answers. Why has his statement not been recorded yet? Who will be held accountable?
