PANAJI: The Congress party has urged the State government demanding to challenge the acquittal of Minister Mauvin Godinho and others in the 1998 power rebate case.
North Goa Sessions Court acquitted Godinho, who was Power Minister at the time, from the infamous power rebate scam case, last week. Godinho was accused of granting rebates to industrial units that allegedly caused a loss of Rs 4.52 crore to the State exchequer. The case was originally brought to light by the then Leader of Opposition, the late Manohar Parrikar.
In its verdict, the Court noted that crucial witnesses like Parrikar and former chief minister Pratapsing Rane were never examined, a lapse that significantly weakened the prosecution’s case.
In a letter to Chief Secretary V Candavelou, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Patkar pointed out that acquittal reflects “serious lapses” in the prosecution, as no substantial evidence was effectively placed before the court.
“This is not just about one case. It is about large-scale corruption, misuse of public resources and betrayal of public trust. Silence by the government will set a dangerous precedent,” Patkar said.
He urged the government to file an appeal before the High Court of Bombay at Goa, review the lapses in investigation and prosecution, and constitute a special legal team to pursue the matter diligently. Warning of further action, Patkar said Congress would be “constrained to take legal recourse” if the government fails to act.
“The BJP government cannot shield its corrupt leaders and expect Goans to remain silent. Congress will continue to fight for transparency, justice and rule of law,” he added.
