PERNEM
Lack of barriers and facilities at the Patradevi check post has not stopped the excise team from stepping up checks on vehicles entering and exiting the State.
The absence of barriers has made it difficult for the excise team led by Excise Officer Jayesh Bandekar to stop vehicles entering/exiting the check post.
Many vehicles have been found speeding near the check post, posing a risk to the excise team.
Amid claims that illegal trafficking of alcohol from Goa to Sindhudurg, Kudal and Sawantwadi in Maharashtra continues on a large scale, Bandekar has begun personally waiting at the check post at night to check documents and cargo of vehicles.
While the check post is at the main NH66 highway at Patradevi, sources have said alcohol is illegally being transported from Goa to Maharashtra along internal roads which link villages in Pernem to the neighbouring State.
When contacted, Bandekar stated his officers have begun waiting along internal roads to check on vehicles.
Meanwhile, questions have been raised about the lack of facilities at the Patradevi check post.
According to sources, there is no shed for officers to seek shelter and there are no washroom facilities for the staff manning the check post.
