Goa Minister Mauvin Godinho Acquitted in ‘Power Rebate Scam’ After 27 Years, Says He “Waited Long for Justice”

On Monday, a local court acquitted Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho in the 1998 ‘power rebate scam’, where he was accused of granting illegal rebates to industries, causing a ₹4.5 crore loss. Initially arrested in 2001 and charged under corruption laws, his trial continued for decades, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. After his acquittal, Godinho said justice came after 27 years, calling the case “political persecution” and a “media trial.” He stressed there was no corruption or quid pro quo and declined to blame late CM Manohar Parrikar, who had filed the complaint while in Opposition.