Hundreds took part in protests in Panaji on Friday, demanding justice for the activist and a probe to identify the “mastermind” behind the assault. Protesters included activists as well as members of Opposition parties such as Congress, AAP and the Goa Forward Party (GFP).

The protesters marched to the police headquarters and the BJP office, before blocking the DB Bandodkar Road near New Patto Bridge. They then marched to the Chief Minister’s official residence. A delegation met the CM in the evening and listed three demands: the formation of a task force, security for Kankonkar, and an impartial investigation to identify who orchestrated the attack and whether there was a link to any politician or minister.

Opposition parties have termed the assault on Kankonkar an attempt to “muzzle independent voices” and alleged a “collapse of law and order” in Goa.

AAP Goa president Amit Palekar said, “Not only should the perpetrators of the attack be sent to jail and not get out on bail, we also want that the political mastermind behind this attack be exposed and face justice.”

“The attack on Rama Kankonkar is a stark reminder of the collapse of law and order in Goa, plunging our state into a state of gundaraj. The BJP government’s failure to provide a safe environment for citizens and its apparent encouragement of criminal elements are unacceptable. We demand the dismissal of this government, which has clearly failed in its duty to protect its citizens,” said Yuri Alemao of the Congress.

Police said the motive behind the assault is yet to be ascertained. Kankonkar was assaulted near a park in Caranzalem on Thursday at around noon. The assailants, armed with chains and a knife, allegedly thrashed him and smeared cow dung on his face. Five accused, identified as Anthony Nadar (31), Francis Nadar (28), Minguel Araujo (24), Manish Hadfadkar (24) and Suresh Naik (31), were arrested on Thursday, while two more were detained on Friday, police said.