PANAJI
The centre of Goa’s capital erupted in protest on Friday as opposition leaders, tribal groups, and civil society activists marched from Azad Maidan to the Police Headquarters, the BJP headquarters, and later near the Chief Minister’s official residence, demanding justice for activist Rama Kankonkar, who was brutally beaten in broad daylight a day earlier, while the police continued to probe the motive behind the attack.
The outrage spilled on the streets as protesters blocked the main roads near the Old Secretariat, Panaji ferry wharf, Panaji Church to Altinho and other lanes, forcing traffic diversions.
Slogans of “We want justice” rang out, with leaders wearing black attire to symbolise their anger against what they alleged was “lawlessness and goondaism” in the State. Several policemen were deployed across Panaji.
Kankonkar was attacked by six men in Caranzalem on Thursday. Left with multiple injuries, he is undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital. The assault has been described by Opposition leaders as an attempt to silence a critical voice.
Leaders cutting across Opposition parties maintained that arrests alone were not enough. They demanded that the government identify and expose any political patrons or masterminds who may have been behind the assault.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Goa Forward Party’s Vijai Sardesai, AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, Revolutionary Goans’ Viresh Borkar and other leaders spearheaded the march. They joined hands with the United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA) President Prakash Velip and South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes in warning the government of further agitation if the sixth accused is not nabbed soon.
“One of our brothers who have been fighting for us (Rama Kankonkar) was hurt and attacked yesterday (Thursday). This shows the collapse of law and order in Goa. Innocent citizens and activists are repeatedly attacked, and the government is squarely responsible,” the MP said while addressing the large gathering at Azad Maidan, located in front of the Police Headquarters.
Alemao alleged the state was functioning under ‘dictatorship and hooliganism’ and demanded a probe to uncover the alleged political backing behind the crime. Sardesai echoed the demand and described the incident as “politically-backed goondaism,” calling for police protection for Kankonkar. He went a step further, suggesting the use of the National Security Act against those involved.
Addressing the crowd at Azad Maidan, Velip invoked the symbolism of the historic ground while describing Kankonkar’s swollen eyes and broken back. “We demand a thorough investigation and immediate justice,” the UTTA leader said.
Venzy linked the latest attack to a previous assault on Kankonkar, urging the authorities to connect the dots. “This is not an isolated case. There is a pattern of intimidation. The government must act decisively,” he said.
The charged atmosphere extended beyond speeches as the protesters disrupted offices and interrupted services in parts of the capital. Several places saw road blockages. The Traffic Department then issued an advisory asking motorists to use the GMC-Bambolim-Dona Paula-Miramar route as the capital city was blocked. The light motor vehicles and heavy vehicles from Porvorim were asked to take the Atal Setu.
As the protest continued despite assurances, the protesters marched towards the BJP headquarters, slamming the failed law and order, and later proceeded to the CM’s official residence. While they were blocked from proceeding, the entire stretch from Panaji Church to All India Radio and the Old Lokayukta office was cordoned off by the police to prevent a possible law and order situation.
Protesters threaten larger stir
Despite assurances, the protesters remained firm in their stand. They insisted that the government expose any political protectors of the attackers and demanded that the “mastermind” behind the incident be brought to book.
The Opposition leaders and UTAA issued a warning that failure to arrest the sixth accused and address their demands would lead to taluka-wise mobilisation and a State-wide bandh on Monday. “We will not rest until justice is done,” one of the protesters said.
Sawant, police assure action;
Kankonkar given security
Even as Opposition leaders alleged police inaction and claimed they were manhandled during the march, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Director General of Police Alok Kumar strongly defended the response of the police to crack the case.
“Criminal elements will be extradited from Goa. We won’t tolerate goondagiri,” Sawant told reporters after visiting Kankonkar at GMC. He also assured police protection for the activist and his family.
DGP Alok Kumar reiterated that police acted with urgency and that the accused were traced within three hours of the attack, followed by five arrests. “The motive is under investigation, and the case will be taken to its logical conclusion,” he said.
