the goan I network
QUEPEM
The Bombay High Court at Goa has directed the mamlatdar of Sanguem look into the complaints at the Shree Ramnath Damodar devasthan in Zambaulim-Quepem. The mamlatdar is also the administrator of the devasthan.
The Sanguem mamlatdar Laxmikant Dessai has also been directed to dispose off the matter in accordance with law and on its own merits as expeditiously as possible and in any case, within a period of three months from the date of order.
The Bombay High Court of Goa was hearing the petition filed by Dilip Hegde. There was a similar petition filed by Damodar Ghode which was disposed off on March 20, 2017, by giving similar directions to the Sanguem mamlatdar.
Both petitions were filed against a former president and a former secretary of the devasthan on various counts for allegedly swindling Rs 8-10 crore from the devasthan funds and over Rs 10 lakh by selling soil from devasthan property.
When contacted, Dilip Hegde said he was expecting that the investigation will be done with honesty and sincerity as it is not be considered as against any particular individual and directly involves the funds of the devasthan.
“It is not just me, but even various mahajans had suggested that a criminal complaint and recovery suit be filed against the accused ex-president as the money was withdrawn from the bank by cheques signed by only two signatories, when any withdrawal required mandatory signatures of three signatories.”
He further said although all the devasthan committee members and the mahajans were of one opinion that the former secretary was the only person who never co-operated in the investigation.
Hegde said he had filed a complaint with the Sanguem mamlatdar, who is the administrator of the devasthan, against the former devasthan president as he is contesting the upcoming elections of the devasthan in February.
“He should be barred from participation and contesting in any devasthan activities while the investigation is in progress against him for fraud and siphoning crores of rupees. Till date, the administrator has not taken any action on my complaint.”
When contacted, Sanguem mamlatdar Laxmikant Dessai said he would conduct the inquiry as per the directions of the High Court.
Asked if he is confident that the inquiry will be completed within three months as directed or will he ask for extension of the period, Dessai replied: “I will do everything in my power to complete the inquiry in a fair and transparent manner within the time allotted.”
