Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa was rocked on Friday as a brutal assault on social activist Rama Kankonkar escalated into a full-blown political and civil storm, with leaders across party lines warning that democracy itself is under attack in the state.
Kankonkar, known for his uncompromising stance against illegalities and corruption, was savagely beaten by a group of six assailants at Caranzalem on Thursday night.
Admitted to Goa Medical College with grave injuries and loss of eyesight, his condition has triggered a wave of anger and fear among civil society groups who allege a “mastermind” orchestrated the assault.
“This was not a street fight—it was a contract hit,” eyewitness Soiru Velip declared, demanding that police unmask those who hired the attackers.
At Azad Maidan, Panaji, opposition leaders, activists, and former legislators converged in an unprecedented show of solidarity. Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai, after meeting Kankonkar at GMC, squarely accused the government of complicity.
“This is Jungle Raj. Gundagiri is flourishing under political protection. The attack on Rama Kankonkar has a direct link to those in power,” he said, announcing a statewide bandh call and demanding invocation of the National Security Act in Goa.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called the incident “a direct threat to democracy” and insisted the “mastermind” must be brought to justice. GPCC President Amit Patkar said, “This is not just an attack on one man, this is an attack on Goa itself. Every Goan must rise against this.”
Former Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar questioned why the accused enjoy immunity, recalling the similar attack on journalist Amit Naik. Revolutionary Goans MLA Viresh Borkar accused the BJP government of “replicating Salazar’s authoritarian rule” and silencing critics.
AAP President Amit Palekar urged Goans across political lines, including BJP supporters, to unite against “an attempt to muzzle people’s voices.”
As anger spilled into the streets, protestors marched to the BJP office and the Chief Minister’s official residence but were stopped by heavy police deployment. In defiance, they blocked the DB Bandodkar road, paralyzing traffic and chanting for justice.
The attack has exposed deep anxieties about law and order in Goa, with many viewing it as the latest sign of the growing criminalization of politics. The demand is now not just for justice to Rama Kankonkar, but for a reckoning with what opposition leaders describe as “state-sponsored intimidation.”
Those taken into custody have been identified as Anthony Nadar (31), Francis Nadar (28), and Minguel Araujo (24), all residents of St. Cruz; Manish Hadfadkar (24) from Chorao; and Suresh Naik (31) from Porvorim.
Police officials said that one more accused in the case is still at large and efforts are underway to trace him.
