PANAJI
The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Panaji on Saturday remanded and subsequently released activist Rama Kankonkar in connection with the case for allegedly making threatening, hateful and derogatory statements against Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The CJM released him on conditional bail, hours after remanding him to 14 days of judicial custody. He is asked to co-operate with the investigation, besides other conditions.
Kankonkar, arrested on Friday night, was taken to the North Goa District Hospital for a routine medical examination before being lodged at Colvale Central Jail.
An FIR registered against him under Sections 353(2) (inciting hatred or enmity between groups) and 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of BNS was on a complaint alleging that he attempted to create or promote enmity among the general public and provoked the public against CM Sawant.
“He also threatened to bury the CM alive, committing mischief and criminal intimidation," an official said, quoting the FIR.
On February 20, Kankonkar's statement was recorded by the Panaji police following a notice issued under Section 35(3) of the BNS, requiring him to appear for questioning in connection with the FIR registered on February 19.
Opposition leaders have condemned the arrest with Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao tweeting, "We have faith in the judiciary which has granted bail to Rama Kankonkar. @BJP4Goa is misusing govt machinery for its vendetta politics. Hardcore accused persons are allowed to escape from jail in suit boot and innocents are deprived of basic rights and food. Justice prevailed."
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Patkar called Kankonkar's arrest “illegal and unjust.”
“His arrest is yet another example of the BJP’s dictatorial tactics under CM Pramod Sawant, who is determined to silence every voice that resists his agenda of turning Goa into a concrete jungle…. It is illegal and unjust…” he said.
Former GPCC chief Girish Chodankar echoed the views stating that Kankonkar has been the voice of Goa, and the BJP is attempting to suppress such voices.
Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai also criticized the arrest. “Rama Kankonkar is not a criminal but a true Goemkar who was denied justice and forced to speak out against the Chief Minister. Goa is not a monarchy, yet CM Pramod Sawant’s police had the audacity to not only arrest him but also humiliate him and his community,” he said.
