The North Goa Sessions Court in Merces has directed the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Vigilance Department to register an FIR against former Minister Pandurang Madkaikar, following a viral video from March 4 in which he allegedly admitted to paying a bribe of Rs 15 to Rs 20 lakh to get a file cleared. In the video, Madkaikar also claimed that all ministers are preoccupied with ‘counting money’.
Two days after the video was out, activist Kashinath Shetye and five others filed a complaint with the Police Inspector (PI) of ACB, and subsequently with the Superintendent of Police (SP), ACB, on March 10. The complaint, filed under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, urged a probe into the alleged bribery and legal action against Madkaikar.
The complainants argued that if Madkaikar’s claims were false, he should be held accountable for misleading the public and defaming constitutional authorities. In response, both the respondents submitted detailed objections to the application. Public Prosecutor S Mandrekar supported their stand, stating that a statement had been recorded from Madkaikar and, since no offence was made out, the FIR had not been registered. He prayed for the application to be dismissed.
However, Sessions Judge Irshad Agha ruled that the video itself was sufficient material to warrant the registration of an FIR and initiation of a preliminary inquiry. The Court stated that only after registering an FIR can investigators assess the truthfulness of the statements. It observed that Madkaikar’s claims pointed to a serious issue — significant bribes allegedly being required to clear official files.
The Court noted that the allegations fell under Sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and emphasised the Supreme Court's view that corruption by public officials undermines public trust and governance, necessitating swift and thorough investigation.
Consequently, the Court directed the PI of the ACB to register an FIR and proceed as per the law.
The controversy began after Madkaikar, following a meeting with BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santosh at the party office, told reporters that he had paid Rs 15 to Rs 20 lakh to a minister for a minor task. However, he refused to name the minister, saying he would only do so when he decides to quit the party.