From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 11: Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane today warned leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar and BJP’s national leader Kirit Somaiya that he will be filing case against them for 'defaming him in the illegal mining scam.’

Rane, representing Valpoi Assembly Constituency, said that he will file defamation case against Parrikar and Somaiya for unnecessarily roping in his name in the illegal mining scam.

“Both of them have made baseless statements against me in the media. If they have proof of my connection with the illegal mining activity, let them come out with it,” the minister said addressing a press conference today.

While Parrikar, who headed Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on illegal mining had made a statement, Somaiya had addressed a press conference last weekend naming Rane amongst few other ministers for being involved in Rs 25,000 crore mining scam.

Rane said that he stands by legal mining in the state as there are several thousand people who are dependent on it. “I don’t support illegal mining activity,” he said claiming that he has been communicating with the Centre asking to stop illegal extraction of ore.

The minister said that state should wait for Justice M B Shah Commission report before pointing figures to anyone. “Shah Commission will give its report. Let’s see what happens after that,” Rane said.

Justice Shah has been commissioned to investigate into illegal trading of Iron Ore from the state. Goa had exported 54 million metric tones of ore during last fiscal.