Complaint filed against Goa minister over 'missing' file

Social activist Aires Rodrigues today filed a complaint against Goa Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar, his wife and a government servant in connection with a file related to his bungalow which has allegedly gone missing from the Old Goa panchayat office.

In his complaint with the local police, Rodrigues alleged Madkaikar, his wife Jainita, who is also sarpanch of the Old Goa panchayat, and panchayat secretary Ashish Naik were involved in disappearance of the document.

The file related to Madkaikar's private bungalow near here which was recently inaugurated, the activist said and alleged gross illegalities in its construction.

When contacted, Inspector Sudesh Velip of the Old Goa police station confirmed receiving Rodrigues' complaint.

"I will discuss the complaint with my seniors before initiating any further action," Velip said.

Rodrigues has sought an FIR against the trio under IPC sections 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence), 204 (destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence), 420 (cheating) and 120-B(criminal conspiracy).

The activist said he had filed applications under the RTI Act, seeking information about the file pertaining to the construction of Madkaikar's bungalow.

Rodrigues said he was orally informed by the panchayat officials that the file had gone missing and is untraceable.

The activist said he has reasons to believe the file has been intentionally concealed or possibly destroyed by the trio to ensure "gross illegalities" in the construction of the bungalow do not come to light.

When contacted, Madkaikar said he was ready to face any inquiry.

The BJP minister said he will respond further after getting the details of the complaint against him.