Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Oct 13: A day after activist Rama Kankonkar made serious allegations implicating politicians in the attack on him, North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta on Sunday clarified that the victim’s first statement carries the highest evidential value. Subsequent versions, he said, are considered later “improvements” and will be verified against available evidence before any action is taken.

Addressing a press conference at the police headquarters in the presence of DGP Alok Kumar, Gupta said, “Every version of the victim’s statement must be supported by proof before further action can be taken. We have to match each statement with evidence, and only then can we act.”

Gupta also explained the distinction between a statement and an interrogation. “When giving a statement, the victim can speak freely and say whatever he wants. In an interrogation, we ask specific questions related to the case,” he said, adding that Kankonkar could be called again to record another statement or approach a Judicial Magistrate if necessary.

Regarding the motive, the SP noted that although the exact reason for the attack remains unclear, the accused and victim had a past rivalry, and the attack appeared pre-planned. Preliminary investigations revealed that Minguel Araujo, Francis Nadar, and Zenito Cardozo allegedly conspired on September 14, 2025, to attack Kankonkar to “teach him a lesson,” as he had reportedly been defaming and troubling Minguel and Zenito. Gupta confirmed that no evidence of extortion has been found so far.

Police security for Kankonkar and his family continues to be in place.

SDPO Sudesh Naik reiterated that the investigation is being conducted solely on merit and without any external pressure. He added that the police are verifying new names provided by Kankonkar, including certain politicians, which were not part of his first video-recorded statement.

Naik also confirmed that the police have strongly opposed the bail plea of accused history-sheeter Zenito Cardozo, whose hearing is scheduled before the sessions court on Monday.

The probe is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing that all actions will be evidence-driven and impartial.