CM admits truck entry records missing in liquor smuggling case; assures action soon after probe is completed
MAPUSA
The Opposition benches on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the government in the Goa Legislative Assembly, accusing it of inaction and attempting to cover up a suspected case of illegal liquor transportation involving a Nagaland-registered truck that caught fire at Dhargal last month.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas led the charge, referring to the suspicious blaze that engulfed the abandoned truck loaded with liquor worth lakhs of rupees.
He questioned why, even after more than a month, no substantial action had been taken by the police or the Excise department.
“This is a serious case. The truck was carrying liquor without a permit. Yet, no heads have rolled, and the silence suggests an attempt to hush up the matter,” Viegas said, demanding accountability from excise officials.
“What are the excise inspectors doing? They are empowered to verify labels and trace the origin of the liquor. Someone needs to be held responsible,” he added.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that the vehicle had been seized and that it did not possess a valid export licence or permit.
“We have not been able to determine where the liquor was manufactured. The matter is still under investigation. Once details are clear, the licence will be cancelled,” he assured. He also stated that an FIR has been registered at Pernem Police Station.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva alleged that the incident pointed to the presence of illicit liquor manufacturing units operating within Goa. He questioned whether any other incriminating documents were recovered from the truck.
Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira raised concerns over the porous enforcement at Goa’s borders.
“There are two entry and two exit points. How did the truck pass through despite having check posts?” he asked, slamming the inefficacy of the Excise department.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao highlighted that over 1,000 violations related to excise had been identified but only two inspectors had faced action.
“Most violators have only received show-cause notices, and there has been no follow-up,” he said, accusing the government of shielding erring officials.
Even ruling party MLA Nilesh Cabral expressed dismay that the truck entered Goa despite checkpoints manned by police and excise staff. “How did the vehicle cross the border without being stopped?” he asked.
In response, a visibly defensive Chief Minister admitted that the entry records of the truck had still not been traced.
“The police have completed their part of the investigation and handed it over to the excise department. Action will be taken once the inquiry is complete,” he said.
Sawant also denied that any duplicate alcohol was being produced in the State. He added that excise inspectors are routinely transferred every three months as part of departmental policy.
The fiery exchange in the Assembly highlighted growing concerns over enforcement lapses in Goa’s liquor trade, with the Opposition demanding strict accountability and swift corrective action.
