Panaji: Massive protests broke out in Goa on Friday, a day after prominent social activist Rama Kankonkar was brutally attacked in broad daylight.

The incident has triggered public outrage, with thousands gathering outside the Director General of Police’s office in Panaji to demand justice and accountability from the state government.

Protesters alleged a complete failure of law and order, accusing the authorities of not providing protection to activists despite repeated threats. The situation escalated as demonstrators reportedly vandalised the local BJP office and attempted to storm the premises.

The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Karanjale area of Panaji, where Kankonkar — a vocal critic of the BJP-led Goa government — was allegedly assaulted by six men armed with wires and knives.

CCTV footage from the scene shows the men attacking Kankonkar, leaving him seriously injured and crying for help. One of the assailants even recorded the incident on his phone before the group fled on a two-wheeler, abandoning him on the road.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable” and ordering a swift probe. Goa Police responded quickly, arresting five of the six attackers within hours. All of the accused have prior criminal records, said North Goa SP Rahul Gupta.

A manhunt is underway for the sixth suspect, who remains absconding. The incident has sparked a political storm, with opposition leaders and activists — including Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemayehu, Goa Forward Party president Vijay Sardesai, and AAP president Amit Palekar — visiting Kankonkar at Goa Medical College and demanding strict action against the perpetrators.

The assault has raised serious questions about the state’s law and order situation, especially since Kankonkar had been leading a sustained campaign against alleged corruption in Goa.