Goa activist arrested for ‘threat to bury Chief Minister alive’, Oppn slams ‘undemocratic suppression’

The statement is “likely to create or promote enmity between the general public and also provoke the public against the chief minister”, the FIR said. It added that the accused “committed public mischief and also committed criminal intimidation”.

Police said that in a purported video clip of the incident, Kankonkar “threatened to bury the CM alive” while referring to an alleged threat made by a “migrant” against a Sancoale panch member during a panchayat meeting. In the purported clip, Kankonkar questioned why no action was taken against the person who threatened the panch member.

A police officer said, “The accused was arrested on Friday after he failed to comply with a notice to join the investigation.”

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties condemned the arrest and called upon the government “to stop its undemocratic suppression of activists”.

The Congress said it strongly condemned “the illegal and unjust arrest of a dedicated activist fighting to protect Goa from the reckless destruction caused by the corrupt BJP government”.

Goa Congress president Amit Patkar said Kankonkar’s arrest is “another example of the BJP’s dictatorial tactics”.

“Instead of arresting those who pose a real threat to democracy, the government is targeting activists who are fighting for Goa’s interests. This blatant misuse of power shows that the BJP is shielding wrongdoers while suppressing those who stand up for the people,” said Patkar.

Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai said in a post on X, “Shameful misuse of power by the Goa government. Silencing voices of dissent will not be tolerated. Democracy thrives on debate, not intimidation.” He alleged that the action was meant to silence the voice of Goans and added, “We will not be intimidated.”

Aam Aadmi Party Goa chief Amit Palekar said, “The arrest of Rama Kankonkar is illegal and an attempt to silence voices of people and is in violation of freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India. We condemn this high-handed act of Goa police which has acted against the mandate of BNSS and under political compulsion.”

Kankonkar had contested the 2022 Assembly elections from St Andre constituency as an Independent candidate and lost, garnering 219 votes.