MAPUSA
In a significant political development, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Thursday hinted that there were “more angles” to the attack on activist Rama Kankonkar, while carefully steering clear of the growing speculation that a minister may have masterminded the assault.
Lobo visited Kankonkar at GMC and condemned the incident outright. He demanded that the police conduct a thorough probe to bring all culprits to book.
“There are more angles in this case and the police have to investigate it. If anyone is left, then he should be arrested. What is the fear to arrest? The chief minister himself has said ‘Biupachi Goroz Nam’ (no need to fear). So the CM has to investigate thoroughly and get the case to its logical end,” he asserted.
With opposition parties openly alleging ministerial involvement in the attack and social media buzzing with the same speculation, Lobo’s guarded response was notable.
Asked point-blank if he believed a minister was behind the assault, Lobo deflected: “I am not the investigating officer. That is the work of the police and the Home Minister. If police want to bring the real culprit to book then what stops them?”
At the same time, Lobo strongly pitched himself on the side of activists, saying they deserved protection in a democracy.
“These are very few people who fight for Goa. Nobody should touch them. If you disagree with them, talk to them or take them to court,” he said, recounting how activists in his own constituency had challenged his development works in court.
Without taking names, Lobo also took aim at law enforcement, saying that police themselves sometimes took “controversial actions” and such officers should be suspended.
He stressed that Dadagiri and Goonda Raj had no place in Goa, which must remain safe for Goans and tourists alike.
