PANAJI
With the police investigation into the brutal assault on activist Rama Kankonkar stuck in a strange deadlock, officials find themselves trapped between contradictory realities -- Goa Medical College certifying him “medically fit” to testify and Kankonkar himself flatly refusing to record his statement.
Caught in this bind, the police have turned to technical evidence and circumstantial leads to keep the probe moving.
“For now, we have to rely on technical analyses and the surrounding circumstances that could explain the assault on Kankonkar and related incidents. Since he has refused to give a statement, we will wait until he chooses to do so. In the meantime, the probe is being pursued through other sources,” a senior police officer told The Goan.
Meanwhile, all eight accused, including Zenito Cardozo, are serving judicial custody at Colvale Central Jail.
Both GMC and police sources have reiterated that Kankonkar is fit to depose before the police or even a magistrate.
“We will keep attempting to meet Kankonkar. We are following protocol -- meeting the medical officer, obtaining the fitness certificate and then approaching Kankonkar for the statement. When he refuses, we record that refusal and return to the station,” the source explained.
Doctors at GMC maintained that the activist was receiving the best medical care. “A routine check-up is conducted on him regularly. Follow-ups are also being done,” a senior doctor told The Goan.
The activist’s wife, Rati, however, has lashed out at sections of the media, accusing them of twisting facts. “Some media are reporting that Kankonkar is fit to give a statement. But the Medical Superintendent has said he is not mentally stable to take part in the probe,” she insisted at a press conference on Wednesday.
Amidst the drama, the police are also chasing crucial missing evidence with the mobile phone, allegedly flung away by one of the accused, yet to be recovered. The police are on record that WhatsApp calls between Cardozo and the assailants were made on September 18, around the same time when Kankonkar was attacked.
“We need to find out why he made so many calls to the accused persons, especially around the time of the incident. We suspect Cardozo gave directions, but it is under probe,” the Court was earlier informed while seeking extension of the accused’s police custody.
