Panaji: Goa witnessed massive protests on Friday after social activist Rama Kankonkar was brutally attacked in broad daylight, sparking public outrage and raising questions about the state’s law and order situation. Thousands of people gathered outside the Director General of Police’s office in Panaji, accusing the BJP-led government of failing to protect citizens. The angry mob vandalised the BJP office and attempted to storm its premises before being pushed back by security forces.
The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Karanjale area of Panaji, where Kankonkar, a fierce critic of the ruling government, was assaulted by six men armed with knives and wires. Chilling CCTV footage showed the attackers repeatedly striking Kankonkar as he screamed for help, while one of them recorded the violence on his phone. The assailants fled on a two-wheeler, leaving him grievously injured on the road.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant condemned the assault, calling it “unacceptable” and ordered a swift probe. Goa Police, acting quickly, arrested five of the six attackers, all with prior criminal records, within hours of the incident, North Goa SP Rahul Gupta confirmed. A manhunt is still underway for the sixth suspect.
Despite the arrests, unrest continues as opposition leaders and activists allege deeper political motives behind the crime, citing Kankonkar’s campaign against corruption. Prominent leaders including Opposition Leader Yuri Alemayehu, Goa Forward chief Vijay Sardesai, and AAP state president Amit Palekar visited Kankonkar at Goa Medical College, demanding accountability from the state government.
