Activist Rama Kankonkar was assaulted near Panaji by six men armed with chains and a knife, who also smeared cow dung on his face. Five history-sheeters were arrested, while one is absconding. Kankonkar alleged that the assailants threatened him and asked, “Do you wish to be...protector of Goa? Let us show you.” Police invoked attempt-to-murder charges and assured strict action.