Goa opposition alleges Rs.40 crore alcohol scam

PANAJI - Goa’s Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar Thursday alleged that an alcohol scam to the tune of Rs.40 crore is being carried out in collusion with the state excise commissioner and officials of the excise department.

Speaking during Question Hour in the state assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said that excise departments from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh were involved in the scam involving large scale evasion of excise vis-a-vis import of alcohol into Goa.

I am making a serious charge with documents in hand. I have revenue receipts in form of gate passes for this alcohol worth Rs.40 crore, which do not reflect in the government records and I have researched for only three months. Imagine how big the scam is, Parrikar said.

Demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) enquiry, Parrikar also said that Goa excise commissioner Sandip Jacques was involved in the scam.

All levels of officials in the state excise department are involved in this scam. The Goa excise department has issued fake passes, Parrikar said, seeking immediate removal of the excise commissioner from the post.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who also holds the excise portfolio, has ordered the state finance secretary to probe the matter.