Panaji: Congress Aldona MLA Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira has launched a scathing attack on the police investigation into the assault on social activist Rama Kankonkar, alleging that a sitting cabinet minister — whom he described as the “Godfather General” — is the real force behind the attack.
Ferreira expressed deep dissatisfaction with the way police are handling the case, particularly their claim that mastermind Zenito Cardozo has been arrested. “Surely, the real mastermind is a sitting cabinet minister. This incident could not have happened without that person’s protection,” he alleged.
Raising doubts over the statement made by SP Rahul Gupta, Ferreira said, “The SP has claimed the attack was due to previous enmity with Zenito, but this narrative looks suspicious. Is this an attempt to protect someone powerful and close the case prematurely?”
Pointing to the brazenness of the crime, Ferreira remarked, “The attack happened in broad daylight, in a crowded place, with the assailants unmasked. Such fearlessness is only possible with political backing.” He insisted that with eyewitness accounts available, the alleged motive was irrelevant and called for a probe into call records and WhatsApp messages to establish wider links.
“The police cannot brush this aside by naming Zenito as the mastermind. If they stop here, the real conspirator will remain untouched. We demand a fair investigation, free from pressure and cover-ups,” Ferreira said, adding that social media chatter too points to the involvement of a minister.
He further demanded that Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expel what he termed as “goonda ministers” from the cabinet. “Everyone knows who they are — the police, the government, the people. Unless the State acts firmly, Goa will descend into gang wars,” Ferreira warned.
Drawing parallels with authoritarian regimes, Ferreira said the attack on Kankonkar reflects the climate of intimidation across the country. “This is like Hitler’s days. Anyone who opposed him was targeted. Today, anyone who criticises the government faces action from ED, CBI, Income Tax, or other agencies. Goa is no exception,” he concluded.
