PANJIM: Stating that alleged sopo (market tax) scam at Panjim market could be running for the last 10-15 years, Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Commissioner Clen Madeira on Thursday assured to initiate action against those involved in the scam.
“We have initiated an inquiry and strict action will be taken against those who are involved in this (sopo scam). As per worker’s statement this system (collection of sopo without issuing paper-receipts) was going on for the last 10-15 years. I will thoroughly inquire into this and get to the roots, those involved including the persons who have benefited through illegal means will not be spared, if required we will take criminal action,” Madeira said interacting with media persons at Altinho, Panjim.
“In his statement, the worker said that he was instructed by the previous market supervisor to do that (to collect Sopo without issuing paper-receipts). So, he has been issued a show cause notice and we have asked him to explain why he shouldn’t be suspended pending inquiry. The worker claimed that after collecting Sopo he was handing over the money to the Supervisor and Supervisor says that he then was depositing it in the Municipal treasury. There are no records of that…we have to verify their claims. I will do a detailed inquiry and find out,” the Commissioner added.
