SHWETA KAMAT
PISSURLEM: This fact, linking the seizure of ketamine and Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has gone largely un-noticed. Though GIDC officials feign ignorance over the alleged production of ketamine in the factory owned by a BJP functionary Vasudev Parab, a visit to the place makes it impossible to believe this.
Vijay Industry, a factory where 100 kg of ketamine, was seized by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) as part of its nationwide raids, is located just opposite the IDC office at Pissurlem. It is only a road that separates the IDC building and the shed where ketamine was seized.
While IDC, though belatedly, has issued a show cause notice to Vasudev Parab for violation of the agreement, no action appears to have come against the person in charge of the industrial estate. It is virtually impossible for anyone to ignore a factory which is opposite the IDC building in the industrial estate.
As per IDC records, Vijay Industry is located in plot number 92 of the industrial estate. The plot is around 1,200 square metres in area and was allotted for a fabrication unit.
IDC chairman Glenn Ticlo feigned total ignorance about the location of the industry. “I am not aware about it. We have issued notice to the owner of the factory,” he said. When pointed out that the factory is opposite the IDC office, he said “I will have to look into it. I will inquire into it and will act accordingly.”
The cold response of the IDC officials reflects the lethargy in handling this serious matter.
A close look at the shed, which is currently sealed by DRI, indicates that there were all possible things to raise suspicion. “The gate was covered with plastic sheets for the last two months so that activity inside should not be seen from outside,” one of the local told Herald.
He said the gate always used to be closed and hardly any activity was seen. “We always thought that the industry was closed. The plastic sheets came up only two months ago, before that there was nothing,” the local said.
Interestingly, the Police Control Van of Valpoi Police Station has been given Pissurlem Industrial Estate as a beat and passes by at least twice daily.
Valpoi Police have currently posted two policemen on the spot, who are guarding the gate round the clock. The main gate of the shed and another room where ketamine was allegedly manufactured remain sealed by DRI.
Valpoi Police Inspector Shivram Vaigankar said police have been posted on the site on request from DRI. “We will continue to guard the premises, till DRI ask us to withdraw it. DRI might have to search the premises again,” he said.
