PONDA: The Bandora Panchayat has decided to take legal action following allegations of unauthorised sopo tax collections reported during the gram sabha convened on Sunday.

The sarpanch has announced plans to file an FIR with the local police station and initiate an inquiry into the matter. The gram sabha members raised concerns that an unidentified individual has been collecting sopo taxes from vendors and eating into the revenue of the local body despite the panchayat having its designated employee for this purpose.

To substantiate their claims, residents have produced receipts issued by the unauthorised sopo collector, bearing the name of the Bandora Panchayat. The villagers demanded a thorough investigation into the matter to identify and penalise the imposter.

Additionally, there was a call for the establishment of clear regulations governing sopo tax collection to prevent future instances of fraud.

Sarpanch Sukanand Kurpaskar has assured residents that he will verify the authenticity of the receipts and register an FIR against the imposter.