MARGAO: Twenty-three villagers of Loutolim, including seven panchas, filed a complaint against Sarpanch Xavier Fernandes at the Maina Curtorim Police Station for allegedly illegally lifting the entire stock of vegetables supplied to horticulture outlet operated near fish market in Loutolim.
However, the sarpanch has denied any involvement in the lifting of vegetables and has called it a move of petty politics by unscrupulous elements.
The complaint alleges that vegetables supplied to horticulture outlets were entirely taken by Sarpanch Fernandes and was distributed as per his whims allegedly only to the voters from his ward No 2 and to persons of ward No 1 represented by his close confidante panch.
A similar complaint has also been filed before the Goa Horticulture Corporation Ltd for appropriate action.
Denying the allegation, Sarpanch Fernandes said, “It is sad to note that petty politics is being played in such difficult times by unscrupulous elements just to malign my name.”
He clarified that he personally had approached four out of six horticulture outlets operating in the village requesting to keep the outlets open and also increase their quota, however it is regretted that only two obliged.
“Further, it may be noted that there are six horticulture outlets in Loutolim while only two were operational and it is very unfortunate none of the seven panchas who are signatory to the complaint approached the vegetable kiosk owners with demand of their requirements, which the owners claim, they would be very glad to order,” Fernandes said.
