VASCO
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes on Wednesday afternoon demanded an independent inquiry into widespread rumours of a private breakfast meeting allegedly held between members of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and a minister over the tiger reserve issue.
Fernandes said such interactions, if true, raise serious questions about transparency, fairness, and the independence of the CEC’s findings.
Speaking to media persons in Vasco, Fernandes said, “If these reports are true, it is extremely unethical and goes against judicial norms. The CEC’s role is to ensure an unbiased evaluation, not to entertain private meetings with anyone, especially a minister who may have a stake in the issue. This casts a shadow on the credibility of their report.”
He called upon Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to conduct an immediate probe into the matter and publicly clarify whether such a meeting took place. “The people of Goa deserve to know the truth. The State government must not stay silent when such serious allegations have surfaced. I expect the Chief Minister to order a detailed inquiry and restore faith in the process,” Fernandes stated.
The MP further said he would raise the issue in Parliament and also consult legal experts to explore the possibility of challenging the CEC report if bias is proven. “I will not allow Goa’s interests to be compromised. The tiger reserve issue is not political — it’s about protecting our State’s lifeline,” Fernandes asserted.
