Panaji: Responding to social activist Rama Kankonkar’s recent allegations that two top politicians are linked to the assault on him, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Sunday said Kankonkar’s “last-minute change in statement should be investigated”.
“It is very important to probe who put these words in Rama’s mouth after 23 days. This cannot be ignored,” Khaunte said.
The Tourism Minister said, “Immediately after the assault, police acted swiftly and arrested all the accused within 24 hours. A video-recorded statement by Rama followed in which no such allegations were made.” Khaunte said that it was only after 23 days, at the time of discharge, that the Chief Minister and he were mentioned by Kankonkar that has sparked a political and public debate.
“The Chief Minister had visited Rama in the hospital. Police protection was offered, additional security at his request was given at home,” Khaunte said questioning why Rama did not point fingers at the CM then.
“Rama is known to stand by his words from day one. Over the past 23 days, everyone met him, including members of the Opposition.”
“Over the past 23 days, everyone met him, including members of the Opposition activists and many others. He even celebrated, cut cakes and ate, and we all saw his recovery. Yet, not once did I hear him mention anyone’s name,” Khaunte said.
Stating that it is important to know who has tried to politicise and sensationalise the issue, the Tourism Minister said he has spoken to the Chief Minister to probe the matter “who made him speak what he said on Saturday? This has to be probed thoroughly”.
He said a few days after the assault a new narrative was created and what Rama spoke on Saturday, matches it. “So, the motive is clear and has to be investigated,” he said.
