Health Minister Vishwajit Rane challenges critics: File FIR if you have proof of job bribe

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has firmly denied allegations that he accepted bribes in exchange for government jobs, challenging his critics to provide evidence and file a police complaint if they have any proof. Speaking to reporters in Marga, he stated, “I have not accepted a single paisa for giving the jobs. If anyone has any proof, they can go and file an FIR against me with the police, no problem.” He emphasized that all government jobs under his authority are awarded purely on merit.

The controversy began when the Congress party, led by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar, accused Rane and his departments of running a “jobs-for-cash” scam. Congress claimed to possess documents and an audio recording as evidence, alleging that fake appointment and offer letters were issued to job seekers in return for money. These documents reportedly bore signatures of officials from departments overseen by Rane, including Health, Urban Development, and Town and Country Planning.

In response, Rane directed all heads of departments under his charge to file police complaints regarding the circulation of forged appointment letters, calling the forgery of official signatures a criminal act.