Team Herald
MARGAO: South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to launch an inquiry into allegations that a high-ranking official may have funneled black money into the fishing industry, allegedly in collaboration with a 'fish mafia'.
Fernandes also emphasised the importance of investigating the recent cholera outbreak at the Cutbona fishing jetty, which resulted in the deaths of five migrant workers. He called for a thorough probe to determine the root cause of the outbreak.
Additionally, the MP has called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to dismiss Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Harlarnkar and take action against former Fisheries Director Dr Shamila Monteiro. According to Fernandes, the two were involved in a taxpayer-funded trip to Norway, which he described as a misuse of public funds.
During his visit to Cutbona fishing jetty and his discussions with residents of Mobor-Cavelossim, Fernandes addressed concerns about the health crisis at the jetty. When asked about allegations that a senior official had invested illicit funds into fishing boats, Fernandes urged the State government to involve the CBI to uncover the truth. He stressed the need to investigate the benami (proxy) wealth that officials may have accumulated through such investments.
Regarding the cholera outbreak, Fernandes advocated for the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the situation at the Cutbona jetty. "Accountability must be established," he stated. Fernandes pointed out the foreign junket involving the Fisheries Minister and former Fisheries Director. He challenged the government to show "moral courage" by removing the Fisheries Minister.
and taking disciplinary action against the former Director.
three shops near cutbona jetty fined by legal metrology
MARGAO: Authorities launched a Legal Metrology enforcement drive at the Cutbona Jetty following calls for action by consumer rights group GOACAN. The jetty, which has been under increased scrutiny from government officials, including the Chief Minister and Environment Minister, saw three cases booked during the inspection.
Violations were recorded against Abdul Hamid General Store, Mahadev Super Market and another store run by Mrs Santana Cardoso, all located in Velim, Salcete. Each establishment had electronic weighing instruments that had outdated verification stamps, with the last stamps marked as 23B, 21C and 15C respectively. The enforcement aims to address discrepancies in weighing instruments and ensure compliance with legal standards at the jetty.