NT NETWORK
PANAJI
There has been no progress in the Old Goa land issue case involving former Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar as land owner is said to be reluctant to file a formal complaint with the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Directorate of Vigilance.
Sources informed that the preliminary probe had found substance in the case wherein it was alleged that Madkaikar reportedly purchased the land which was identified for the Old Goa police station.
But with no formal complaint, the ACB cannot proceed with further investigation, sources informed, adding that, “First Information Report (FIR) could not be registered as the land owner was reluctant to file a formal complaint against Madkaikar.”
It may be recalled that in July 2014, suspecting corruption in the land deal, former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, during the assembly session, had said that he would direct the ACB to investigate the purchase of a land at Old Goa by Madkaikar which Madkaikar himself had recommended for the Old Goa police station in 2004.
According to information, during that period Madkaikar was the transport minister in Parrikar’s cabinet.
Based on the statements made by Parrikar, the home department had written to the ACB. Based on the details provided by the home department, the ACB conducted a preliminary inquiry into the case and according to sources the investigating agency had found substance in the case and it was fit to register a FIR, provided there was a formal complaint from the land owner.
