MARGAO: Nikash Ahuja, director of Viiking Beverages, clarified that Vijay Monte Cruz, son of former minister Francisco Monte Cruz was misusing his father’s position to browbeat and dodge the issue over the Impala Distillery and Brewery Ltd at Assolda.
Speaking to media persons, he said Vijay had approached them for help in 2012 as he was in trouble with the industry and had quite a few loans to be settled specially to the EDC and IDBI. As their company was also interested in venturing into the alcohol business, he said, they agreed to certain terms and conditions.
As per the terms, Nikash said that they advanced nearly Rs 83 crore to Vijay to settle his creditors, but he would not give the accounts for the money advanced to him and the creditors were not paid their dues.
“In fact, he claimed not having any records for Rs 30 crores that was given to him; and he not only kept dodging answers to various queries, but even refused to take our calls,” he said adding that left with no alternative, they were forced to move the arbitration court over the matter.
However, on December 21, Nikash said, Vijay tried to push their staff out of the factory premises including the security officials posted to look after the stock at the plant.
Besides the fact that Vijay had not provided accounts for the money advanced to him, he has also not filed till date, a reply to the arbitration proceedings initiated by Viiking Beverages against him.
