PANAJI
Goa Police on Monday clarified that activist Rama Kankonkar has not named any politician in his statement to the Panaji police recorded on October 2 in connection with the attack on him last month, though the investigation remains ongoing.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta told a press conference at the Panaji police station that the police have so far arrested the accused persons in the case, and the victim’s testimony is central to the ongoing investigation.
“So far, he (Kankonkar) has not named (any politician)... but our investigation is underway,” Gupta said, replying to a media question adding "we are probing the case from all possible angles”.
The officer added that the victim’s statement will significantly help the investigation, as it provides a first-hand account of the assault, descriptions of the accused, and the sequence of events.
“By corroborating the statement with other available evidence, we can present a strong case before the court against those involved,” he said.
Kankonkar’s statement was recorded at Ward No. 121 of Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim, where he continues to receive treatment for injuries sustained in the September 19 attack near Kamakshi Hotel, Caranzalem.
SP Gupta further stated that the victim named one of the assailants as Minguel and said he would be able to identify the other attackers if produced for a test identification parade. The statement also mentions that Minguel had allegedly tried to assault him twice earlier this year at Agassaim.
“During the assault, he (Kankonkar) had identified one of the accused involved named Minguel. He has further narrated that twice in the past, Minguel has tried to assault him at Agassaim... both incidents happened earlier this year. He has narrated those two incidents too in his statement,” the officer said adding, “he remembers the description of two more individuals and has said that he can identify the attackers. Apart from this, he has not named anyone else in his statement. Further investigation is in progress.”
