PERNEM
Assuring that all those guilty in the excise scam would face action, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said an inquiry could be conducted through the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) if the need arose.
Speaking to reporters along the sidelines of the inauguration of the Mopa Airport police station, Sawant said three employees allegedly found involved in the Pernem excise scam had been suspended.
“The vigilance department is investigating this case and if more employees are found involved is this scam, then similar action will be taken against them too. If the need arises, an inquiry will be conducted through the Anti Corruption Bureau,” said Sawant.
“Strict legal action will be taken against the three employees found involved in the Pernem excise scam and the entire amount will be recovered from them.”
Social activist Sanjay Barde had filed a complaint against the excise commissioner and excise officers of the Pernem excise office but the police did not register his complaint.
When the excise department served notices to liquor shop owners regarding renewal of licenses, 75 liquor shop owners rushed to the excise department and submitted their receipts, confirming the payment of renewal license fees. It was only then that an investigation was conducted and the scam came to light.
