Goa witnessing disturbing trend of goondagiri: Yuri

Goa is witnessing a deeply worrying surge in incidents of goondagiri (hooliganism), with political leaders and civil society voicing sharp criticism of the state government following the brutal daylight assault on activist Rama Kankonkar. The attack, which took place in public view, has not only shocked residents but also triggered questions about the law-and-order situation under the BJP-led government. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, who met the injured activist at the Goa Medical College (GMC), condemned the assault in the strongest terms. He alleged that the attack was symptomatic of a disturbing trend in the state where assailants operate with impunity, shielded by political and police patronage. “Goa is witnessing a disturbing trend of goondagiri by assailants protected by the police. The earlier attack outside the court and subsequent police inaction clearly indicate that law enforcement is shielding the perpetrators,” he said. Alemao warned that if such acts continue unchecked, they will create fear among ordinary citizens, eroding faith in the justice system. Congress leaders also weighed in, accusing the government of presiding over the collapse of law and order. Party vice-president Sunil Kawthankar claimed the incident exposed “the ugly face of the rising underworld that is slowly taking over Goa under full police protection of Pramod Sawant.” State Congress president Amit Patkar described the assault as “a direct blow to democracy in Goa,” while MLA Carlos Ferreira argued it symbolized the complete breakdown of governance. Goa Forward Party (GFP) MLA Vijai Sardesai called the attack “an assault on every Goan who dares to question those in power,” stressing that silence and inaction would embolden criminals further. Civil society voices also joined the chorus of outrage. Activist Pratima Coutinho stated that the government had “totally failed” in protecting its citizens and urged immediate justice. Revolutionary Goans (RG) MLA Viresh Borkar expressed his anger, saying, “I am outraged by the brutal attack on Kankonkar. BJP govt’s collapse of law and order and politicisation of police forces must end. We demand justice and safety for Goa’s citizens.” The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also came down heavily on the ruling dispensation. State AAP president Amit Palekar described the assault as a “brutal and cowardly act” and reiterated the party’s long-standing claim that Goa is turning into “Mirzapur,” a reference to a lawless state depicted in popular culture. “Sawant, who is also the home minister, should hand over his home portfolio to another minister. Hooligans are not scared of the police anymore,” Palekar said. Benaulim MLA and AAP leader Venzy Viegas demanded swift police action within 24 hours, warning that the party would take to the streets if the perpetrators were not arrested. “Law and order hasn’t just collapsed, it seems there is no law and order at all in Goa right now,” he said, directly holding Chief Minister Pramod Sawant responsible for the spate of assaults and gang wars plaguing the state. As Goa reels from the latest assault, opposition leaders and civil society groups are calling for urgent measures to restore public confidence. The incident has once again highlighted concerns over political interference in policing and the state’s ability to curb the growing culture of violence.