Margao: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) is taking steps to recover approximately Rs 18 lakh allegedly embezzled by its former employee Yogeshwar Shetkar, said MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Shirodkar said that MMC has recovered Rs 3 lakh and is now probing Shetkar’s provident fund and encashable leave balance to recover the remaining amount. The case involves funds collected from 299 stall owners during the Holy Spirit Church fair held in May. The development comes amid a wider probe into Shetkar’s activities, including a separate complaint filed against him for allegedly running a fraudulent investment scheme.
The accused, who was arrested last week at Margao railway station after six months on the run, is currently in police custody.
Addressing concerns about fair management, Shirodkar acknowledged being sidelined during the previous feast fair’s sopo collection process, which led to the embezzlement. However, he said that under current chief officer Melwyn Vaz’s administration, proper procedures were followed, resulting in a successful collection of over Rs 32 lakh from feast fair stalls.
“This time, I was taken into confidence by the incumbent chief officer, and all collections have been properly deposited in the municipal treasury,” Shirodkar stated. Police said that more MMC employees may be questioned in the case. Authorities are also examining Shetkar’s bank accounts and financial transactions to trace the funds in both the municipal case and the investment fraud scheme. MMC initiated internal proceedings against Shetkar, who previously worked in the council’s administration section.