PANAJI
The State government finally broke its silence in one of the mega scams of this year, prevailing in the Excise Department. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured action against the erring staff as well as recovery of the misappropriated funds while also citing that an inquiry into the scam is underway.
“An inquiry into the matter is underway and I have spoken to the Commissioner. All recovery will be made and appropriate action (against the excise official/s) will be taken,” the CM said in reply to a media question on Saturday.
Sources said that after the expose by The Goan, CM -- who had just arrived from Delhi -- sought briefing on the matter from the department and instructed Excise Commissioner Narayan Gad to recover the money.
It is also learnt that entire records of the Pernem excise station will be probed by the committee comprising of 10 excise officers. A report on the inquiry including statements of the staff as well as victim license holders will be submitted to the government for appropriate action. Incidentally, the CM also holds Excise portfolio.
The government has however maintained stoic silence whether the accused staff will face vigilance probe or police investigation considering that it not only involves corruption but also criminal offense.
After initial reluctance, the Excise Department began desperate damage control by initiating recovery of the ill-gotten money from the Upper Division Clerk (UDC) on Friday. Around Rs 11 lakh have been recovered so far, even as the scam is to the tune of Rs 2 crore. The statement of the inspectors was also recorded.
The UDC in alleged connivance with an Inspector operated the well-organised racket from Pernem excise station since 2017.
It is also learnt that the UDC could be suspended on Monday.
The official is charged with issuing fake licenses and renewals to license holders operating businesses in Pernem. The UDC also provided them with stamped bank receipts to make his victims believe their payments were successful.
It was only after the department began to send notices for default in payment the scam stood exposed. On the day of the first expose in The Goan on Thursday, the Commissioner admitted the scam.
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