CCP to probe irregularities in sopo collection

PANAJI: Expressing shock over the irregularities in the market sopo collection, Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) commissioner Clen Madeira promised to initiate a probe and crack down on those involved in the alleged scam.
Madeira claimed that the sopo scam has been going on for at least 10 years with nothing being done to rein the officials in.
“The worker who was collecting the sopo has been derostered. A showcause notice has been issued. Now I am doing a detailed inquiry because I have been told that this system has been going on for the last 10 years or 15 years,” he said.
“I want to know who has benefited from this,” the commissioner said.
Former Panaji mayor Uday Madkaikar had brought the irregularities to light when he confronted a person who was colle-cting the sopo fees from vendors without giving them a receipt.
“The worker would collect the sopo and give it to the market supervisor who would then deposit it in the municipal treasury. Now how do I verify whether the worker or the supervisor is telling the truth,” Madeira said.
He said that the probe is ongoing and action will be taken against those who benefitted illegally from it. He said that criminal action will be taken against the main culprit.
“I am shocked to know that no receipts are given to vendors after collecting money by our CCP staff,” said Madeira. “The one who has taken the money and who benefited will now get into trouble and strict action will be taken once the inquiry is over.”