The Goa Police on Sunday affirmed that the investigation into the recent assault on social activist Rama Kankonkar is proceeding without any external pressure, noting that no politician was named in Kankonkar’s initial statement.
Addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Panjim, SDPO Sudesh Naik, who is leading the investigation, said the statement recorded at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) did not include any reference to political figures.
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“We have the video recording of the initial statement. The investigation is being conducted strictly on its merits, and there is absolutely no pressure from any quarter,” Naik asserted.
North Goa SP Rahul Gupta reinforced this position, stating that the first statement made by Kankonkar on October 2 at GMC holds the “most evidential value.” He said later statements made by Kankonkar are “sort of improvements” and considered relatively weaker in evidentiary terms.
“We are proceeding based on the most credible version — the one recorded first,” Gupta said.
According to the police, the investigation so far has revealed that accused Minguel Araujo, Francis Nadar and Zenito Cardozo allegedly conspired to attack Kankonkar on September 14, reportedly to “teach him a lesson” for allegedly defaming them. The accused and the victim reportedly had a history of personal disputes and online altercations.
When asked if the motive behind the assault was personal enmity, Gupta said,
“Nothing can be said conclusively at this stage. The investigation is ongoing, and more clarity will emerge once the chargesheet is filed.”
On the question of whether extortion was involved, Gupta said no such angle has emerged so far.
“As of now, no extortion aspect has come to light, but the investigation is still underway,” he added.
In response to a complaint filed by Rama Kankonkar’s wife, Rati Kankonkar, regarding the alleged leak of Rama’s statement to the media, the SP said,
“The record was kept fully confidential from our end. However, a copy was given to a witness.”
DGP Alok Kumar also addressed the media, acknowledging that the allegations made by Kankonkar post-discharge from GMC—where he named political leaders—were “grave in nature,” prompting the police to provide a detailed update on the status of the investigation.
Gupta said a Personal Security Officer (PSO) has been deployed round-the-clock by Agassaim Police Station for Kankonkar’s protection. He also revealed that the police have seized crucial evidence, including the cables allegedly used in the assault, three two-wheelers, and six mobile phones.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade on Sunday dismissed the allegations levelled by Kankonkar against the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister as “baseless” and urged the police to investigate the motive behind such claims.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP office in Panjim, Tanavade asserted that the statements made by the activist and his family have been inconsistent since the beginning of the investigation, raising questions about the credibility of the allegations.
“The victim’s accusations against the Chief Minister and the Minister are completely baseless. The police must investigate the reasons behind these claims. The investigation so far has been fair and free from political interference. The Chief Minister has assured the police full freedom to carry out the probe,” Tanavade said.
He pointed out that the activist, who was provided medical treatment and police protection, changed his narrative post-discharge.
“After being discharged from the hospital, the statements made were contradictory to earlier ones. This sudden shift indicates a possible attempt to malign the image of the BJP and the State government. We demand that the police thoroughly examine the root cause behind this,” he added.
Meanwhile, reacting to being named by Kankonkar in connection with the assault, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that Rama is a straightforward person, and it must be investigated who influenced him to make such claims nearly 23 days after the incident.
“It needs to be investigated as to who has put these words in Rama’s mouth 23 days after the assault,” he said.
