In a major breakthrough, Panaji police have arrested five out of six accused involved in the assault on social activist Rama Kankonkar at Caranzalem.
The accused allegedly conspired to wrongfully confine Kankonkar, assaulted him with deadly weapons, and issued death threats. They also threatened the complainant with a knife. A case has been registered under Sections 126(2), 109, 351(3) read with 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
Eight police teams comprising 31 personnel were formed under the supervision of SDPO Panaji. Within three hours of the crime being reported, the accused were identified through CCTV footage and crime records. Acting swiftly, police traced two suspects, Anthony Nadar and Francis Nadar, at Dodamarg bus stand. Based on their interrogation, three more accused — Suresh Naik, Minguel Araujo, and Manish Hadfadkar — were arrested at Margao railway station later that evening.
All five arrested are history-sheeters. One more accused is still absconding.
The arrests were confirmed by North Goa SP Rahul Gupta, IPS, who said further investigation is underway.
