Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 17: In a major development stirring political circles in Goa, a sessions court in North Goa has directed the state police to register an FIR into bribery allegations levelled by senior BJP leader and former transport minister Pandurang Madkaikar, even though he had later withdrawn his claims.

The directive comes in response to a petition filed by a group of vigilant citizens, led by activist Kashinath Shetye, who approached the Sessions Court at Tiswadi Merces after the police reportedly failed to act on their complaint lodged in March this year.

Madkaikar, in a public outburst earlier this year, alleged that certain ministers from the ruling BJP government were “busy counting money” and went on to claim that he had personally paid Rs 15–20 lakh to the personal assistant of a minister to facilitate file movement. However, the former minister later retracted his allegations without providing further clarification.

Despite the retraction, Shetye and his group submitted a complaint to the Anti-Corruption Branch of Goa Police, demanding a thorough investigation. They also requested legal action against Madkaikar if his allegations were found to be false and misleading.

When the police failed to initiate action, the activists moved the court under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), seeking judicial intervention. The police, however, opposed the application.

After hearing both sides, the Sessions Court directed Goa Police to file an FIR and begin a formal investigation into the serious allegations. The order is expected to set a precedent in handling political corruption allegations — whether substantiated or withdrawn.

The ruling has sparked fresh debate in Goa’s political corridors, with opposition parties calling for greater transparency and accountability within the ruling establishment.