SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024
Team Herald
CANACONA: Bootlegging operations continue unabated in Marlem of Poinguinim village panchayat, despite the enforcement of the Election Code of Conduct. On Tuesday, the Canacona Police detained a pickup transporting alcohol worth Rs 16.79 lakh.
Canacona Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Tikam Singh Varma led the operation, marking the second raid in six weeks, with the first occurring on February 15.
Following the initial raid, during which liquor worth Rs 10 lakh was seized, it was anticipated that such activities would decrease, given the heightened vigilance by law enforcement agencies and border cops. However, the illicit trade appears to persist with impunity.
Canacona Excise Inspector Shamba Naik disclosed that their investigation into the earlier raid is progressing slowly, and notices have been issued to suspects requesting them to submit their documents. However, the suspects have failed to comply, raising questions about the efficiency of the Excise Department's investigation process.
The dusty lanes of Marlem, traversing through the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, continue to witness alcohol-laden trucks and pickups plying on them every night, bound for Karwar in neighbouring Karnataka.
Three liquor outlets situated on the Marlem border serve as hubs for these activities, operating from night until early morning, shielded from residential areas.
Marlem residents are predominantly teetotalers, rendering these three licensed outlets devoid of customers. It is suspected that these outlets exploit their licences solely to procure alcohol for smuggling into Karnataka.
Anand Metri, Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, acknowledged that the checkpost at Hattipaul near the wildlife sanctuary falls under forest territory. He pledged to investigate the matter and take action against the alcohol mafia.
Anant Gaonkar, RFO of Canacona, stated that he would consult with his superiors before addressing the issue.
Ironically, during the previous liquor seizure at Marlem village in February, Metri held the position of Gaonkar, and Gaonkar held the position of Metri.
