In a significant development, social activist Rama Kankonkar has announced his intention to move the Bombay High Court, challenging a lower court's decision to acquit seven individuals, including alleged mastermind Zenito Cardozo, in connection with a violent assault against him.
Planned High Court Challenge
Kankonkar stated on Sunday that he will file the appeal within the next two to three days. This move comes after the sessions court in Goa released Cardozo and six other men, a verdict the victim finds deeply unsatisfactory. The assault in question occurred in September 2025, where Kankonkar was allegedly attacked by the group.
Allegations of Inaction and Political Links
Expressing his frustration, Kankonkar highlighted the perceived failure of the state machinery. "The police called Cardozo the mastermind of the attack on me. Now, they released him and others, and the investigation did not move forward at all," he said. He accused the state of neglecting its duty to protect a victim, forcing him to seek justice from a higher judicial authority.
He further asserted that the government's inaction erodes public trust and creates fear. More critically, Kankonkar claimed that his complaint had named two politicians whose alleged involvement has not been probed. "I mentioned the involvement of two politicians in the attack on me. The probe on this angle is also missing," he revealed, pointing to a potential lapse in the investigation.
Broader Implications for Justice
The case has now escalated beyond a personal assault, raising questions about the efficacy of the legal process and the influence of power. Kankonkar's decision to approach the High Court underscores a determined pursuit for accountability. The upcoming legal battle will be closely watched, as its outcome could have implications for how cases involving activists and allegations of political interference are handled in the future.
The key facts of the case are:
- Victim: Activist Rama Kankonkar.
- Accused: Zenito Cardozo and six other men.
- Incident: Assault in September 2025.
- Recent Development: Acquittal by a Goa sessions court.
- Next Step: Appeal to be filed in the Bombay High Court within 2-3 days.
- Key Allegation: Investigation stalled and political links ignored.
