In the over 30 years of social activism, I have had, on many occasions, to bear the brunt of attacks, from police lathi charges at student and language agitations to stones and eggs during the Cuncolim anti-pollution agitation. But the brutal cowardly assault, the 13th October night, on Prajal Sakhardande and myself at Panaji's popular chicken/mutton xacuti joint Ashok behind the Head post office will be the one to remember, hopefully for the rest of my life.
It is an irony that the attack took place just 10 days after celebrating the anniversary of the Father of the Nation where we all vowed by Gandhigiri and never to opt for Goondagiri. The manner in which the attack was carried out clearly shows that what was planned was my elimination, but for God's grace I was lucky to escape with only the fingers dented. The masked men may have been able to 'finger' me, but were not able to dampen my spirits and cow me down. The bloody attack on me, if anything else, has emboldened my determination to continue the struggle against all injustice, corruption and nepotism. And I will be able to still relish the Chicken and Mutton Xacuti at Ashok's! The execution of the brutal attack on us was at lightening speed and lasted just about 3 minutes, but by God's grace the medical aid was also rendered very speedily and professionally. Over the years I had been warned by family, friends and well-wishers to be careful as the rich and mighty could plan an attack on me. Once in public life, one has to be ready to face such situations bravely and put ones trust and hope in the Almighty. Now post attack, friends and well-wishers advise me that I should move with security and also seek a licensed revolver. Both these suggestions seem unnecessary for the simple reason that death and destiny is beyond our control and manipulation. 13th October, had it not been for the Almighty's intervention would have been my death anniversary. I seek no revenge against those masked men, but only hope that the deadly weapons used in the attack to liquidate me, will be used in future for the purpose they were made for. Over the years I've taken up many issues as a result of which I've had to crossed swords with many. I would, without hesitation admit, that the issues I've pursued, have hurt and exposed some of the rich and mighty. Every issue I've pursued was only after an in-depth analysis and with an open mind. Never with any bias or personal prejudice, and of course never with any personal interest or revenge. In the recent case concerning the minor German girl, I took up the case purely on its merits and not with any intention to further implicate the Senior Monserrate. That it came to light in the wake of the false affidavit charges against Babush Monserrate is purely coincidental and that he chose to use his political patronage to scuttle the investigations, has only implicated him further. So post the Oct 13th brutal attack, the question is, who was behind the attack? Taking consideration of the timing and circumstances in which the attack was carried out, I have no doubt whatsoever, that the beleaguered Education Minister of Goa, Mr.Babush Monserrate was the man behind it. It is just a coincidence that Mr. Monseratte also regularly orders mutton and chicken dishes from Ashok where on his orders I was to be on the chopping block. The masked men were out for my neck but had to go back content with damaging the fingers of my right hand. The right hand is indispensable. Only some people are privileged to be able to use their left hand! Politicians and people in authority, by virtue of their positions, should be ready for both bouquets and brickbats. They should know that their lives and (mis)deeds are under public scrutiny and are more than likely to be exposed at some stage. Freedom to fearlessly fight against social ills is the very hallmark of a true democracy, but unfortunately some of those in power who ride to power on a contrived electorate are unable to withstand such scrutiny. I would candidly say that many of my colleagues would never dare to handle some of the issues I've taken up. It is for this reason that the police have to ensure that the perpetrators of the Oct 13th attack are apprehended quickly, as otherwise, right thinking people would not dare to fight for just causes. Goa's alarming levels of corruption and totally chaotic dysfunctional administration has to be cleansed and we hope that the blood Prajal and I shed will not be in vain, but will help initiate this much needed cleansing. The Oct 13th assault at the Ashok restaurant will always linger in my mind, but the miraculous way in which I managed to lock myself in the toilet of the restaurant and which ultimately saved my life, will forever be engraved in my memory. I'm ever so grateful to the thousands of my fellow Goans who prayed and showed solidarity in condemning this vicious attack on me and my friend Prajal Sakardande by visiting us at the Campal Clinic and calling over the phone, via sms and email. We are also humbled by the thousands who attended the public meetings and demonstrations organized in various parts of the State to condemn the attack. The Oct 13th bloody assault and the much needed forced rest that I got will be yet another chapter in the memoirs that I plan writing at my 50th birthday. But as with everything in life being so uncertain, only the Almighty knows what is in store. Aires Rodrigues T1 - B30, Ribandar Retreat Ribandar - Goa - 403006 Mobile: 9822684372