the goan I network
MARGAO
Arguments were heard before Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao on the complaint filed by city-based lawyer, Adv Rajiv Gomes seeking directions to the police to register FIR against the 17 fish operators for importing fish laced with formalin in July last year.
While Special Public Prosecutor G D Kirtani, representing the FDA and police argued that the petitioner has not made out any cognizable case for the registration of a FIR, petitioner Adv Gomes demonstrated during his arguments how fish laced with formalin can prove injurious to fish loving Goans.
Adv Kirtani later told the media that the complainant has not brought any expert to prove that the fish is laced with formalin. “I have argued that fish coming into the State is not laced with formalin. Since last July, fish has been coming into the State and there’s no case of fish being laced with formalin,” Adv Kirtani added.
On the other hand, Adv Gomes drew attention of the court that formalin if added to fish can prove injurious to the health of fish eating Goans. He pointed out that formalin is a poisonous substance and can cause death.
He demanded to know why the government authorities did not go ahead to prosecute the 17 fish operators after FDA officer Iva Fernandes confirmed that the fish was laced with formalin.
The court would resume hearing of arguments in the matter on July 2.
