MAPUSA
Congress leaders have condemned the alleged obstruction, intimidation and use of criminal force against a government-appointed auditor while he was carrying out his professional duties at the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) office.
Congress leader and Chartered Accountant Rahul Mhambre said an auditor must be able to discharge his professional responsibilities without fear, intimidation or coercion. He stressed that the independence of auditors was essential for financial accountability and good governance.
“If the allegations of forcing the auditor to sign a document, restraining him and using abusive or threatening conduct are found to be true, they are completely unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” Mhambre said.
He said any disagreement with an auditor’s observations should be addressed through institutional and legal mechanisms, rather than through threats or force.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar also condemned the alleged incident, describing it as another disturbing indication of the deterioration of law and order in the State.
“The reported intimidation of an auditor while performing his official duty is deeply disturbing. No individual or institution should be permitted to interfere with legitimate professional responsibilities through threats or force,” Chodankar said.
The Congress urged the police and competent authorities to conduct a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation and take appropriate action if the allegations are substantiated.
