MARGAO: On Tuesday, the Wholesale Fish Traders Association, joined by local fishermen, staged a morcha against the Fatorda Police Station and demanded immediate action against an individual who had been collecting “sopo” at the wholesale fish market without official approval.
The protesters warned that if action is not taken against the concerned individual, they might resort to taking the law into their own hands. They claimed that the person in question has been harassing traders and local fishermen by imposing excessive charges.
Traders and fishermen further alleged that the South Goa Planning and Development Authority and the concerned individual failed to provide evidence of an official appointment for the sopo collection contract. They criticized both parties for not presenting any documentation or official authorization supporting the legitimacy of the fee collection.
They have also produced receipts issued by the illegal sopo collectors as evidence of the ongoing irregularities. The traders and fishermen claimed their right to know the identity of the individual or entity awarded the official contract for sopo collection.
Speaking to reporters, Ibrahim Maulana, President of the Wholesale Fish Traders Association (WFTA), stated that they will not permit the concerned individual to collect sopo without an official contract.
“The concerned person and his team are looting traders and local fishermen by charging exorbitant amounts and issuing counterfeit receipts for fees supposedly levied by the SGPDA. This is clear case of cheating and a criminal breach of trust against the fishermen,” said Maulana
He also demanded the arrest of the individual involved in the illegal collection of sopo. Maulana insisted that swift legal action be taken to apprehend the person responsible for the fraudulent activities.
