A group of boat owners in Goa has lodged serious complaints against the Margao Municipal Council (MMC)-appointed sopo collector, accusing him of extortion and illegal fee collection outside the wholesale fish market.
In a meeting with the MMC Chief Officer and councilors, the boat owners alleged that they are being forced to pay exorbitant charges beyond the officially approved rates. They further claimed that the sopo collector is unlawfully collecting market fees from small-scale buyers—such as fish vendors on bicycles and motorcycles—which is not allowed under current regulations.
The delegation demanded immediate intervention by MMC officials to put an end to these irregular practices and called for transparent and lawful fee collection. The MMC is yet to issue an official response.