Activist Rama Kankonkar was assaulted by a group of six people near Panaji on Thursday, police said. The assailants, armed with chains and a knife, allegedly thrashed him and smeared cow dung on his face.
The incident sparked a storm with the Opposition parties terming the assault an attempt to “muzzle independent voices” and alleging a “collapse of law and order” in Goa.
Five people have been arrested. They were identified as Anthony Nadar (31), Francis Nadar (28), Minguel Araujo (24), Manish Hadfadkar (24) and Suresh Naik (31). All five are history-sheeters. One accused is yet to be arrested, police said in a statement.
According to police, the incident took place at around noon near a park in Caranzalem. The police complaint said that six accused persons “hatched a criminal conspiracy”, “wrongfully confined” Kankonkar, and assaulted him with a deadly weapon. The complaint said that the accused carried a knife and threatened to kill the activist. An FIR was registered under BNS section 109 (attempt to murder), 126 (2) wrongful restraint, and 351(3) (criminal intimidation) r/w 61 (criminal conspiracy).
In a post on X, Goa’s police chief, DGP Alok Kumar, said, “The assault on an activist is being investigated under the overall supervision of IG Goa. Swift and strict action will be taken.”
Kankonkar contested the 2022 Assembly elections from St Andre constituency as an Independent candidate and lost, garnering 219 votes. In February, he was arrested for allegedly making derogatory and threatening statements against Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Kankonkar alleged that the assailants threatened him and asked, “Do you wish to be the protector of Goa? Let us show you.”
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Chief Minister Sawant said such incidents would not be tolerated in the state. “I have instructed police to arrest the culprits as soon as possible,” he said.
Condemning the incident, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Patkar said, “This shameful incident is not just an assault on one individual, but a direct attack on every Goan who dares to raise questions and speak truth to power. Goa has always been known for its democratic ethos and the spirit of fearless activism. By targeting Rama Kankonkar, the perpetrators, emboldened by the ruling dispensation, are attempting to silence dissent and create an atmosphere of fear. Such acts of political intimidation will never be tolerated.”
The AAP said the party would protest and “hit the streets” if the police fail to arrest the culprits within 24 hours. AAP leaders said the incident appeared to be a “chilling message” to all activists in the state that “if they raise their voice, they will be silenced through violence”.
Venzy Viegas, AAP MLA from Benaulim, said, “It seems there is no law and order at all in Goa right now.” Criticising the BJP government for repeated incidents of violence, Viegas said, “It is time for the Chief Minister to pull all the strings and sit down with the police machinery and ensure stringent action.”
