Team Herald
PANJIM: After almost five years, Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has finally paid the Rs 19 cr service tax which was due to the government since 2011.
Confirming this, GCA President Chetan Desai said, “We received funds from the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) last week and we have cleared the entire outstanding Rs 19 cr. Another Rs 4 cr is due in form of interest on Rs 19 cr and penalty for which we have asked for a waiver.”
Desai, along with Secretary Vinod Phadke and former Treasurer Akbar Mulla were arrested by Goa Police’ Economic Offences Cell following complaint of financial appropriation Rs 3.13 cr.
Asked whether BCCI had stopped grants until the investigations into the scam is complete, Desai said, “It’s all false. We got the grants last week and hence we could pay the service tax. There has been no communication from BCCI to stop grants.”
Desai said he has cooperated with the police in the matter and has nothing to hide. “I took charge after the conditional bail which said not to enter the premises for 15 days, but some group is hell bent on disturbing the functioning,” he said.
He said GCA is functioning smoothly except for salaries of staff that were delayed due to the controversy. “We have already begun preparatory camps for Ranji and similarly we will conduct other activities now,” he said.
