Goa, Jan. 23 -- The Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court has discharged former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Prakash Velip and four other accused in a criminal case dating back over two decades, which involved alleged financial irregularities amounting to Rs.7.75 crore at the Goa State Co-operative Bank.

In its order, the court observed that the prosecution had failed to place crucial documentary evidence on record, including the original "sanctioned estimate" for the building project in question. In the absence of this key document, the court noted, it was impossible to establish whether any excess payments had been made, as alleged by the prosecution.

The court held that without foundational evidence to subst...