PANAJI
Amid birthday cake and a regular flow of political leaders, activist Rama Kankonkar marked his birthday inside the private ward of Goa Medical College on Monday. But his celebrations have triggered sharp questions about whether he is fit enough to attend to visitors, and why his statement is still not recorded in the criminal case of the brutal attack on him.
The Scheduled Tribe leader has been admitted for 13 days after an assault that led Panaji police to register attempt-to-murder charges against eight persons including seven history-sheeters. Among them is Zenito Cardozo, all of whom are now in judicial custody.
Police sources have conceded that Kankonkar’s statement is yet to be recorded, but also cited the reason. “We have been visiting Kankonkar almost daily to record his statement. It is crucial for our probe. But he has been refusing to give his statement,” a senior officer told The Goan.
It is reliably learnt that the investigation team even sought a dying declaration through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, citing claims by the family that Kankonkar was critical. “The SDM agreed, but Kankonkar once again refused to testify,” the officer added.
Yet, Kankonkar’s wife, Rati, has insisted – through the media -- that her husband is in no position to speak. On Monday, she urged Goa Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju’s intervention to ensure a free and fair investigation. “He is weak and not able to give a statement. He has a blood clot in his brain and is unable to move,” she maintained publicly.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met Kankonkar in the GMC shortly after the September 18 assault, while Opposition leaders also made a bee line since then.
