Madganvcho Awaaz leader Prabhav Naik has claimed that the “sopo mafia” is brazenly harassing the business community in Margao, allegedly operating under the protection of the Margao Municipal Council.
He said this extortion racket targeting goods transport vehicles is nothing but outright loot and must be stopped immediately.
Referring to a receipt of Rs 150 issued by a sopo collector to a goods transport vehicle that had arrived to unload items at a retail shop, Prabhav Naik questioned the legality of the collection. He demanded that the Margao Municipal Council place in the public domain the specific rule, notification, or legal provision under which this “sopo” is being collected from vehicles.
“Businessmen are already paying trade licence fees and taxes, while goods transport vehicles pay road tax and multiple charges to the Transport Department. Imposing an additional, unclear levy on goods vehicles is unjustified and unacceptable,” Naik stated.
He warned: “Authorities must act swiftly to investigate, clarify the legal basis, and put an immediate end to this harassment of the business community, failing which the business community in Margao will rise in protest.”
He said Madganvcho Awaaz will stand firm with the business community of Margao in this fight against extortion and ensure that justice is delivered.
