North Goa SP Rahul Gupta addressing the media in the presence of DGP Alok Kumar. Also present was SDPO Sudesh Naik
PANAJI
A day after activist Rama Kankonkar made serious allegations against the government and police, North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta on Sunday said that the victim’s first statement carries more evidential value than any later versions.
Addressing a press conference at the police headquarters, Gupta said that the investigation will continue based on the new statements, but only after they are verified with available evidence.
He explained that any additions to the first, video-recorded statement are being treated as later “improvements” with lesser evidentiary value.
“I had already briefed the media about the main points of the statement. Action has been taken against all those named by the victim,” he said.
Speaking in the presence of DGP Alok Kumar, the SP stressed that every version of the victim’s statement must be supported by proof before any further action is taken.
“We have to match each statement with the evidence, and only then can we act,” he added.
On Saturday, Kankonkar was discharged from the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) after 24 days of treatment. He later told the media that the Home Minister and Tourism Minister were involved in the attack on him, and that the police had not questioned him about political links.
Responding to the allegations, Gupta said there is a difference between a statement and an interrogation.
“When giving a statement, the victim can speak freely and say whatever he wants. In an interrogation, we ask specific questions related to the case,” he explained, adding that if needed, Kankonkar would be called again to record another statement.
The SP also said that the victim can approach the Judicial Magistrate to record his statement if required. “We have carried out a fair and quick investigation, and it will continue,” Gupta clarified.
On the motive, Gupta said that although the exact reason for the attack is still unclear, the accused and victim had past rivalry, and the attack appeared to be pre-planned.
“That, however, cannot be taken as final. The charge sheet will give more clarity,” he added, noting that no evidence of extortion has been found so far.
He revealed that further investigation showed Minguel Araujo, Francis Nadar and Zenito Cardozo conspired on 14 September 2025 to attack Kankonkar and “teach him a lesson” as he had allegedly been troubling and defaming Minguel and Zenito.
Gupta confirmed that police security for Kankonkar and his family remains in place.
Investigation to be based on merit: SDPO
PANAJI: SDPO Sudesh Naik on Sunday said that the police are investigating the activist assault case without any pressure and that the probe will be based purely on merit.
Naik added that the police are also verifying the statement made by the victim, who has named some politicians in connection with the incident.
“Rama has now named a few politicians. These names were not mentioned in the first statement, which we had video-recorded. This change suggests a possible link, and we are investigating that as well,” Naik said.
He further stated that the investigation is being carried out thoroughly and without any external influence.
Naik also confirmed that the police have strongly opposed the bail plea of accused history-sheeter Zenito Cardozo, whose hearing is scheduled before the sessions court on Monday.
