PANJIM: The seizure of 100kg of ketamine in a shed, which was sublet to another person by a BJP functionary in Pissurlem Industrial Estate near Valpoi, has again exposed the mismanagement at Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), which was in the news in the past for scams.
While the policy forbids subletting of industrial sheds to another person without approval of the authorities, GIDC’s office manning Pissurlem facility was in the dark, leading to the suspicion of a major nexus between industrialists and officials in the State-run corporation.
Four days after drug haul, GIDC is yet to initiate any step in the form of action against Vijay Industries owned by Vasudev Parab.
On Thursday, Herald tried to reach senior GIDC officials, including its Chairman Glenn Ticlo (BJP MLA) and Managing Director Narayan Gad, but they refused to entertain calls. Even a visit to the office fetched no response as both claimed to be very busy in meetings. “Sir said he is extremely busy and not possible to talk now,” Gad’s personal assistant told Herald.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in a pan-India action raided the Vijay Industries unit and had found 100kg of ketamine, which was being manufactured at the site.
As per GIDC official records, a 1200 sq mtr plot was allotted to Vijay Industries for production of mild steel and stainless steel.
Sources reveal that Parab had leased the industry to an Indian-born Canadian national on a verbal agreement and there was no official permission taken from GIDC.
As per the latest GIDC Transfer and Sub-Lease Regulation 2018, such an act of leasing is illegal if without consent of the Corporation.
“No allottee is permitted to convey/transfer the leasehold rights of the plot allotted to it either to a third party or such individuals or entities without the due approval of the Corporation. No Land/Plot allotted to the allotee for a Kiosk under any scheme of the Government is permitted to be transferred,” the regulations state.
