Daijiworld Media Network – Goa

Goa, Apr 27: The criminal trial case of city's health minister Vishwajit Rane in the 'threat to kill' Utt Goenkara spokesperson advocate Aires Rodrigues, will continue before justice Edgar Fernandes, the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), in Panaji here on June 6th at 2.30 pm.
 
The health minister's counsel adv. Mahesh Jethmalani today continued with the cross examination of adv. Aires Rodrigues which proved to be inconclusive. The latter on Friday April 25, moved an application to examine Divya Rane as his first witness as the alleged call was made by the accused Vishwajit Rane from his wife Divya Rane's mobile. 
 
Adv. Rodrigues stated that a detailed examination of Divya Rane would clearly reveal as to why the accused chose to make the call from Divya Rane's mobile. As the application of adv. Aires Rodrigues was strongly opposed by Jethmalani stating that the examination of Rane was not required by JMFC, justice Edgar Fernandes would be hearing the arguments on the application, on the next date. 
 
The health minister faces charges under sec 506 (II) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which carries a punishment of seven years' imprisonment or fine, or both. Vishwajit Rane, a first time Minister who has already been released on a surety of Rs. 10,000 is the city'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 14th last year dismissed the criminal appeal filed by Vishwajit Rane stating that there was sufficient ground for proceeding against Vishwajit Rane under section 506 (ii) of the IPC there being 'prima facie' evidence against the health minister.
 
It may be recalled that adv. Aires Rodrigues had filed a complaint with the Old Goa Police on 31st July that while he was at his Ribandar office, he received a call on his mobile from Vishwajit Rane, whereby Rane is reported to have said "This is Vishwajit Rane. Be careful. I will get you shot".
 
Health minister Vishwajit Rane who had initially stated that he did not even know adv. Aires Rodrigues, denied having made the call. However, later on interrogation made a volte-face and confessed to the Old Goa Police, of having made the call to adv. Aires Rodrigues from his wife Divya Rane's mobile.