Panaji, Goa – A major scandal has surfaced in the heart of Goa’s cultural hub, with allegations of forgery against the contractor managing the Kala Academy canteen. Prominent social activist Mr. Damodar Divkar has exposed what he claims to be deliberate manipulation of government documents, implicating the contractor, in a fraudulent scheme designed to deceive the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP).
The accusations were formally submitted to the Vigilance Commission of Goa, as well as other authorities, by Mr. Divkar, who is urging immediate and stringent action against the contractor.
The Allegations: A Breakdown
The case centers on a signed government document, purportedly altered to mislead the CCP and avoid accountability. Key legal violations highlighted include:
1. Forgery (Sections 463 & 465, IPC): The alleged tampering with official documents to misrepresent facts.
2. Cheating (Section 420, IPC): Attempts to deceive the CCP for unlawful gain.
3. Evidence Tampering (Section 204, IPC): Destruction or alteration of evidence, hampering legal proceedings.
4. Criminal Conspiracy (Section 120B, IPC): Possible collusion with other parties to carry out the fraud.
5. Breach of Trust (Section 406, IPC): Misuse of authority entrusted to the contractor.
6. Municipal Act Violations (Goa Municipalities Act, 1968): Breach of regulations governing lawful operations in municipal areas.
7. Corruption (Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988): Misuse of official documentation for personal or professional gain.
Mr. Divkar, known for his relentless fight against corruption, has demanded:
Suspension of the contractor’s license.
Forensic investigation of the manipulated documents.
Filing of criminal charges under relevant legal provisions.
An audit of the Kala Academy’s operations to uncover further irregularities.
“The people of Goa deserve accountability and transparency in all government dealings. This blatant manipulation of official documents is not just a breach of trust but a direct attack on the values of integrity,” said Mr. Divkar in a statement.