Activist asked to respond; court adjourns hearing to Oct 13
PANAJI
The Merces Special Court has issued a notice to social activist Rama Kankonkar, who is currently undergoing medical treatment following a brutal assault, in connection with the bail application of accused history-sheeter Zenito Cardozo.
The court also asked Kankonkar whether he wishes to be represented by the public prosecutor or an advocate of his choice. The hearing on the bail plea has been adjourned to October 13.
Earlier, the court had issued a notice to the Investigating Officer on Cardozo’s bail application. Cardozo moved a bail application earlier this week on the grounds that he was falsely implicated.
According to sources, Cardozo’s bail plea cited certain facts, including the police’s official statement to the media, noting that Kankonkar has not named any mastermind or politician in the attack.
The victim, in his statement to the police, identified only one person, Minguel, while the others remain unidentified; however, Kankonkar has stated that he would be able to identify them if they were produced before him for a test identification parade.
Meanwhile, the court extended the judicial custody of Cardozo and seven others till October 18. The accused were produced before the court on Friday, following the end of the judicial custody period.
Police have arrested eight persons in connection with the case, including Cardozo, Anthony Nadar, 31, Francis Nadar, 28, Minguel Araujo, 24, and Franco D’Costa, 28 — all residents of Santa Cruz. Police have also arrested Manish Hadfadkar, 24, of Chorao, Suresh Naik, 31, and Sairaj Govekar, 28, a resident of Pilerne.
