Panaji: In a major development in the investigation into the assault on Scheduled Tribe (ST) activist Rama Kankonkar, North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta, IPS, confirmed that eight accused persons have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody, as the probe continues in a fair and transparent manner.
According to the police press note dated October 12, 2025, the case was registered on September 18, 2025, following a complaint by Soiru Velip of Quepem. The complaint stated that around 12:55 p.m., near the Y-junction at Caranzalem, six unidentified men attacked Rama Kankonkar with deadly weapons, attempting to kill him and threatening both him and the complainant with dire consequences.
Based on the complaint, Crime No. 125/2025 was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. PSI Manjunath Naik of Panaji Police Station led the investigation.
Identification and Arrests
Through CCTV footage from the scene, the accused were identified as Suresh Naik alias Booky, Minguel Araujo, Manish Hadfadkar, Anthony Nadar, and Francis Nadar. Acting swiftly, police teams tracked and arrested them early on September 19, 2025, while they were allegedly preparing to flee Goa.
Further interrogation revealed the involvement of two more accused — Sairaj Govekar and Franco D’Costa, who were arrested later the same day and remanded to police custody.
As the investigation deepened, police found that Minguel Araujo, Francis Nadar, and Zenito Cardozo had allegedly conspired on September 14, 2025, to attack Kankonkar for “troubling and defaming” them. Zenito Cardozo was subsequently arrested on September 21, 2025.
Evidence and Recoveries
Police have seized three two-wheelers, six mobile phones, and cables used in the crime. Statements from multiple eyewitnesses have also been recorded, and CCTV footage has been attached to the case records.
Victim’s Statement and SC/ST Act Charges
Despite repeated attempts, investigators were initially unable to record Kankonkar’s statement as he was declared unfit by medical authorities at GMC Bambolim. His statement was eventually recorded in the presence of his wife and advocate and was video recorded.
In his statement, Kankonkar identified Minguel Araujo as one of the attackers and referred to earlier scuffles with him. He also claimed that the assailants made caste-related remarks such as “Gawdya Rakandar tuh Goicho” and “Tuka ST Portfolio zay.”
Following this, police added sections under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and transferred the investigation to SDPO Panaji Sudesh Naik, in line with the rules of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1995.
Current Status
All eight accused are presently in judicial custody after being produced before the District and Sessions Judge, North Goa on October 10, 2025. The bail plea of Zenito Cardozo was opposed by police, and the matter has been adjourned to October 13, 2025.
Meanwhile, police have sought permission from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Tiswadi, to conduct a test identification parade of the accused through the victim and complainant.
SP Rahul Gupta affirmed that the investigation is being conducted “fairly and without bias”, and that personal security has been provided to Rama Kankonkar, with a personal security officer (PSO) deployed round the clock for his protection.
