PANAJI
The Excise Department is on a desperate damage control mode. Commissioner Narayan Gad has begun initiating steps to recover the ill-gotten money from the Upper Division Clerk (UDC) as suspension also looms large over this staff, who is said to have masterminded the scam since 2017.
Reliable sources disclosed to The Goan that the department has instructed the UDC to pay back the money he deceitfully earned from the license holders while he was posted at Pernem excise station.
"The UDC was summoned to the excise headquarters on Friday so that recovery process could begin. On this one day itself, the UDC returned around Rs 11 lakh to the department. He is asked to return the remaining amount as well," sources said.
The statements of inspectors are also being recorded given that their system was allegedly used to carry out the illegality.
However, all these events unfold behind closed doors raising suspicion that the department could be shielding itself from further embarrassment.
Questions also persist as to why the department shied away from filing a complaint with the vigilance or police. Moreover, the department is allegedly attempting to cover up the exact amount lost in the massive fraud even as the loss is estimated at Rs 2 crore approx.
“It is only being told that suspension of the UDC is likely on Monday but why no immediate disciplinary action is taken? None of the two, UDC and Inspector, have either been issued a memorandum or suspended for their offense as on date. The department has also not shown any interest to file a police complaint or seek vigilance inquiry. The UDC’s transfer is just an eye-wash while the Inspector (also suspected to have connived with the UDC in the scam) continues to hold his position at the Pernem without any consequence,” the source said.
The department is entangled in the controversy after revelations that the official issued fake licenses and renewals to license holders operating businesses in Pernem.
The UDC also provided them with stamped bank receipts to make his victims believe their payments were successful.
It was only after the Department began to send notices for default in payment the scam stood exposed.
The Commissioner on Thursday admitted the massive fraud but kept justifying inaction against the erring staff.
