PANAJI
In a major development pertaining to the infamous excise scam, the Excise Department has finally taken action against two inspectors, Vibhuti Shetye and Durgesh Naik, and the Upper Division Clerk Harish Naik for alleged financial fraud amounting to Rs 2 crore approx.
The trio has been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings with instructions to report to the headquarters upon handing over their responsibilities to their respective replacements.
“Whereas, a disciplinary proceeding against ... is contemplated. Now, therefore, the undersigned, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-rule (1) of Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, hereby places the said… under suspension with immediate effect,” Excise Commissioner Narayan Gad said in separate suspension orders issued to the erring officials, on Tuesday.
Shetye has been directed to hand over his responsibilities to his colleague Kamlesh Majik at the Pernem excise station, while Durgesh Naik, who is stationed at the Tiswadi excise station, is instructed to hand over his responsibilities to Inspector Rajesh Naik.
Although the department had discreetly transferred the UDC from Pernem to Sattari following allegations from the license holders last month in what was an attempt to cover up the issue, a sustained campaign by The Goan compelled the government to intervene. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant directed action and suspension of the responsible officials. The department simultaneously began recovery of the swindled amount from the concerned.
MLA and former Advocate General Carlos Alvares Ferreira, who also raised the issue, insisted on filing a First Information Report (FIR) for criminal misappropriation.
“The suspension orders were issued soon after my statement demanding the same from the department. I am still not satisfied with the suspension because this is a case of criminal misappropriation and forgery by giving forged receipts that too being a government servant. There has to be an FIR and arrest of the responsible officials,” he said while speaking to The Goan.
