ATTACK ON KANKONKAR
VOICES AGAINST ATTACK: Hundreds of locals in Calangute march with candles demanding justice for activist Rama Kankonkar and the arrest of the political mastermind behind the brutal attack.
MAPUSA
Strong public anger spilled onto the streets of North Goa on Sunday evening as locals, activists, and social workers demanded the arrest of the political “mastermind” behind the brutal attack on activist Rama Kankonkar.
In Mapusa, a large gathering at Gandhi Circle saw people condemning what they described as a “planned and bloody assault” on Kankonkar. The protesters alleged that while eight men had been arrested, the person who ordered the attack — a politician — was still free. “The whole of Goa knows who is behind this. The government and police should stop pretending and arrest the mastermind,” one speaker said, as the crowd raised slogans against goonda raj.
Similarly, in Calangute, hundreds of people marched silently with candles from Calangute Church to the local police station. The candlelight procession symbolised solidarity with Kankonkar and a call for justice.
Speakers at both events accused the government of shielding the real culprits. Social activist Sanjay Barde said, “Nobody should suffer what Rama went through. Police must go beyond the foot soldiers and nab the mastermind.”
Advocate Shankar Phadte alleged that the government was attempting to divert attention by branding activists as extortionists. “Ten days have passed. What is the progress? Why has the SC/ST Atrocities Act not been applied when Rama clearly belongs to a Scheduled Tribe? Why no SIT to probe the politician-criminal nexus?” he asked, calling the BJP government a goonda raj government.
Activist Xencor Polgi said Kankonkar was targeted for opposing “unwanted projects” in Goa. “Crime has spiraled out of control. The CM has brought in bouncer culture and failed to control law and order,” he charged.
Another activist, Tanoj Advalparkar, said, “The man who took the supari is arrested but not the politician who gave it. If the CM cannot arrest the mastermind, he should resign. Goan patience is running out.”
Shiv Sena president Jitesh Kamat also condemned BJP state president Sadanand (Damu) Naik’s remarks asking people to name the mastermind. “If we name him, we will be harassed. It is the government’s duty to find him,” Kamat said, adding that the CM should step down if he cannot restore order.
Among others who addressed the protest were social worker Rahul Mhambrey and Mapusa councillors Sudhir Kandolkar and Shashank Narvekar.
