Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
from Special correspondent

Panaji, Jan 15: The criminal trial of Goa's health minister Vishwajeet Rane in the threat to kill "Utt Goenkara" spokesman Aires Rodrigues case began before Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Panaji Edgar Fernandes.

In his 45-minute deposition before the JMFC today Aires Rodrigues told the court that on 31 July 2007
while he was at his Ribandar office he received a call on his mobile from Vishwajeet Rane saying, "This is Vishwajeet Rane. Be careful. I will get you shot."

Aires Rodrigues stated that the threatening call was made to him by the health minister on account of
Utt Goenkara's exposing the acts of omission and commission by the accused Vishwajeet Rane.

Rodrigues stated that Utt Goenkara had exposed Vishwajeet Rane's involvement in the construction
of the Charvanem Dam where thousands of trees were illegally cut, his auctioning of government jobs and his
involvement in the Miramar sex scandal.

Rodrigues in his deposition further stated that Utt Goenkara had been agitating that during his father
Pratasingh Rane's tenure as chief minister it was Vishwajeet Rane who was the de-facto chief
minister running the administration.

As Shailendra Bhobe appearing for Vishwajeet Rane sought time to cross-examine Aires Rodrigues as the accused was engaging the services of Ram Jethamalani. The JMFC adjourned the trial to 25th January at 2.30 pm.

The health minister faces charges under sec 506 (II) of Indian Penal Code which carries a punishment of
imprisonment of seven years or fine, or both.

Vishwajeet Rane, a first-time minister who has already been released on a surety and personal bond of
Rs 10,000 each in the case is Goa's first minister to face trial in a private criminal complaint on threat
to kill charges.

In a major setback to the health minister north Goa sessions judge U V Bakre on December 14 last
year dismissed the criminal appeal filed by Vishwajeet Rane stating that  there was sufficient
ground for proceeding against Vishwajeet Rane under section 506 (ii) of Indian Penal Code there
being prima facie evidence against the health minister.

In yet another setback JMFC Panaji Edgar Fernandes on January 11 dismissed an application
filed by the health minister under section 210 of the criminal procedure code seeking a stay of the trial
against him, ruling that the procedure as laid down by law was already followed before the commencement of trial.

Health minister Vishwajeet Rane who had initially stated that he did not even know Aires Rodrigues
and denied having made the call later on interrogation made a volte-face and confessed to the Old Goa Police
of having made the call to Aires Rodrigues from his wife Divya Rane's mobile.