Rati Kankonkar, wife of ac tivist Rama Kankonkar, who is still re covering at GMC Hospital following a brutal assault, met Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju at Raj Bhavan on Monday, coinciding with Rama’s birth day. Accompanied by a group of social activists, she submitted a memorandum demanding a free, fair and transparent investigation into the brutal attack.
What is most alarming is that despite the arrest of eight suspects, the police have yet to record Rama Kankonkar’s statement even 12 days after he was mercilessly beaten by a gang of goons. Speaking to O Heraldo, Rati shared, “On Friday late evening, he was taken for an MRI scan at GMC. Doctors told me he has a clot in the brain and is not in a position to give a statement to the police right now. He may have to give a statement to either the police or a magistrate soon, but at present, he is not capable, according to his doctors.” Asked whether Rama and his family have faith in the on going police investigation, Rati was clear: “We have said this since day one — we do not have faith in the police or the investigation being carried out by them.” Outside Raj Bhavan, Rati painted a grim picture of Ra ma’s condition. “Though he may appear stable, he is far from fit. His vision hasn’t returned, he continues to face unresolved complications with urination, and he is unable to walk.” Social activist Tanoj Adwalpalkar, part of the delegation, voiced concerns over the suppression of dissent. “We briefed the Governor on how voices of activism are being systemat ically silenced. We urged him to intervene and ensure the investigation is supervised by a retired High Court judge.” Adwalpalkar added that the Governor promised to sum mon the Director General of Police (DGP) for a detailed discussion. “While some arrests have been made, the key conspirator remains free. Everyone knows who the mas termind is, yet no action has been taken against him,” he revealed. Journalist Soiru Velip, who was with Rama during the at tack, also highlighted procedural flaws. “There was a signif icant delay in conducting the panchnama, and since then, the case has seen very little progress,” he said, expressing deep concern over the investigation’s sluggish pace. As Rama Kankonkar continues his difficult recovery, the calls for justice grow louder — and the demand for ac countability more urgent.
