Goa Activist Rama Kankonkar Brutally Attacked

Social activist Rama Kankonkar was left grievously injured after a brutal assault by a gang of six armed men near the Children’s Park in Goa’s Caranzalem on the afternoon of 18 September. The attack, carried out in broad daylight with knives, rods, and a steel cable wire, shocked onlookers as the assailants beat Kankonkar, threw him onto the road, and then smeared cow dung on his face before fleeing on two-wheelers.

Eyewitnesses recounted the terrifying scene. “They brandished weapons to deter anyone from intervening,” said one bystander. The attackers’ brazen violence stunned the local community, raising serious concerns about law and order in the state.

Kankonkar, before being moved to Goa Medical College and Hospital, spoke about the attack and its motivations. “They struck me without warning… One of them taunted, ‘You want to save Goa?’” he said. Doctors confirmed he suffered multiple injuries but is currently in stable condition.

Known for his environmental and civic activism, Kankonkar has long been a vocal advocate for protecting Goa’s ecological resources and promoting community welfare and public accountability. He also contested the 2017 elections under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) banner.

The assault has sparked widespread outrage across the state. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant condemned the attack, stating, “Government will not tolerate such crimes. Instructions have been given to arrest all accused and ensure the strictest punishment.” However, critics argue that the incident exposes a failure of law and order that has emboldened perpetrators of violence. Protestors soon surrounded the CM’s residence, demanding justice.

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP supremo, linked the attack to broader issues plaguing Goa. “This incident is part of a continuum of gang wars, drug abuse, smuggling, and harassment of women,” he said. “It shows the complete collapse of policing in Goa. Citizens deserve better.”

Yuri Alemao, Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly and a Congress member, alleged that law enforcement was shielding the perpetrators. “The police are not doing their job; they are protecting the criminals,” he claimed. Meanwhile, Vijai Sardesai, president of the Goa Forward Party, described the assault as “an attack on every Goan who dares to question those in power.”

BJP MLA from Calangute, Michael Lobo, also condemned the attack on social media, urging a thorough probe. “Such violence cannot be tolerated in our state,” he wrote on X.

Public anger spilled onto the streets of Panjim late Thursday as a massive crowd gathered outside the Goa Police headquarters, demanding justice for Kankonkar. Protesters blocked the road, forcing a heavy police presence to prevent escalation.

Residents of Caranzalem expressed shock that such violence could occur in a busy locality during daylight hours. “It’s frightening that this happened in broad daylight near a public park,” said a local resident. Viral CCTV footage of the assault has only intensified public outrage, with civil society groups calling for increased police presence in public spaces and better protection for activists.

Kankonkar, known for his outspoken criticism of civic failures, has himself faced police cases, including one for alleged derogatory remarks against the chief minister. His supporters argue that the latest attack reflects a growing climate of intimidation against activists. “This is not just an attack on Rama; it’s an attack on democracy and free speech,” said one supporter.

As the investigation into the incident continues, it has laid bare the challenges facing Goa’s law enforcement and the risks faced by those who dare to speak out. The state now faces mounting pressure to ensure justice for Kankonkar and to restore public confidence in its ability to protect its citizens.