CANACONA: In a major move to check the illegal and illicit liquor smuggling through Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, the Chief Wildlife Warden of Goa and local village panchayats are all out to put an end to the nefarious trade.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden of Goa, Umakant (IFS), said that, he will seek a report from Deputy Conservator of Forests after conducting inquiry into the Rs 10 lakh liquor seizure inside Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
“I have asked a report from concerned DCF after an inquiry,” he said. Incidentally, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary falls within Cotigao and Poiguinim village panchayat jurisdiction.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Cotigao Sarpanch Anandu Desai said that government is spending crores of rupees in conservation of wildlife and it is unfortunate to hear that liquor smuggling is happening “with and without” knowledge of concerned wardens.
“I demand a thorough inquiry in this matter and responsibilities should be fixed on whoever is guilty of allowing this illicit trade through the wildlife sanctuary,” he said.
Deputy Sarpanch of Poinguinim Sunil Painguinkar appreciated the efforts of the Canacona police to apprehend the smugglers and dealers who were smuggling huge consignments of liquor to Karnataka.
“I expect the same enthusiasm from other authorities to curb this illegal trade,” said Painguinkar.
Locals in Canacona have questioned the integrity of wildlife and forest officials regarding the transportation or smuggling of inflammable substances in large quantities through their checkpoints and jurisdiction. The villagers have alleged violations of Section 32 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and have called for urgent intervention from the Chief Wildlife Warden and other relevant authorities.
A senior police officer revealed that the entire consignment is channeled through the wildlife checkpoint by well-organized gangs, with the notorious liquor mafia from Canacona playing a significant role. The authorities are poised to unearth these connections imminently.
Moreover, police are closely monitoring packing and bottling distilleries in and around Canacona and they intend to notify the excise department to enhance surveillance, particularly in light of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Canacona Police have reiterated their commitment to zero-tolerance towards mafia involved in smuggling liquor to neighboring states. They have pledged robust measures to crack down on these criminals.
