SHOMA PATNAIK | NT
PANAJI: In the run-up to the assembly elections on February 4, candidates have started turning to give out freebies to lure voters. Over the last two-three days, pressure cookers and sewing machines have been seized by the commercial tax department from vehicles arriving into Goa from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
While 1208 pressure cookers were seized from a van near the Patradevi check-post, the number of sewing machines found from a truck in Margao is being ascertained.
The arrival of the goods appears to be election related as they are ordered by individuals and in large quantities. The sewing machines were ordered by a South Goa-based industrialist.
Rajan Saterdekar, additional commissioner of commercial taxes, said the poll panel office has been informed and the seized consignment sent to them.
“The probe is on to see whether the items were ordered as freebies.” The two vehicles carrying the goods had not taken prior permission before coming to Goa, he said.
Unusual movement of consumer goods has increased, according to the department.
Of the 217 vehicles that entered Goa recently, 51 vehicles came in without prior permission. They had not intimated to the commercial tax department about the consignments to be carried thereby flouting the latest circular of the department.
On January 23, the commercial tax department issued a circular stating that all vehicles carrying white goods such as two-wheelers, TVs, mobiles, electrical appliances, etc., must seek prior permission.
“The 51 trucks did not pay tax and are therefore accountable for tax-evasion charges. They have been detained and enquiry is going on,” said Saterdekar.
Of them, one of the trucks transported motorcycles and the other water coolers in large quantities. “The irregular aspect of the motorcycle consignment is that every member of the family has four bookings in their name,” he said.
Until January 17 the commercial tax department had not discovered any unusual spike in sale of white goods, or detected any goods coming in from outside at the border posts. However, over a period of two-three days it seized sewing machines, pressure cookers, water coolers, indicating that incentives could be in the offing as the polling deadline draws near.
Local dealers of consumer goods have been asked to keep an inventory of goods to ensure that political parties do not lure voters. Dealers have to keep their records ready for inspection to examine if there is a sudden jump in sales until the model code of conduct is in force.
Latest seizures points to freebies coming from outside the state.
