Group of citizens demand probe into former min’s corruption claims
PANAJI
Bribery allegations raised by former minister Pandurang Madkaikar have reached the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) with a group of citizens demanding an inquiry and action against those involved.
In a complaint to the ACB police inspector on Thursday, the complainants cited Madkaikar’s allegation that a minister had forced him to pay Rs 15-20 lakh to clear a file.
“The statement suggests that such an exorbitant bribe was required to process a file, indicating deep-rooted corruption within the system. This matter raises significant concerns about governance, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law in Goa,” reads an excerpt from the complaint letter.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, the complainants urged the ACB to conduct an inquiry to verify the former minister’s claims and identify any officials involved in demanding or accepting the alleged bribe.
“If the investigation confirms the allegations, strict action should be taken against the corrupt officials under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Any public servants involved in corruption should be booked accordingly,” the complaint stated, adding that intermediaries, if any, should also be charged under abetment laws.
The ACB has conceded receiving the complaint and stated that officers will conduct a preliminary inquiry before taking appropriate action.
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Cong knocks Gov's door to seek CBI probe
PANAJI: The Congress on Thursday knocked on the doors of Cabo Raj Bhavan and demanded that Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai intervene to ensure a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the allegations made by BJP leader and former minister Pandurang Madkaikar that he paid off a cabinet member and that ministers were only making money.
The Opposition Congress' vice-president Sunil Khautankar said that the party has asked the Governor to order a high-level probe into the allegations.
Khautankar said the allegations needed to be probed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. He said the nature of the allegations is such that if they are ignored, it could lead to the erosion of the faith of the citizens in constitutional institutions and also undermine the rule of law.
