Goa Police File FIR Against Man Impersonating Pollution Board Official
In a significant development, the Anjuna police in Goa have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Suraj Pendse. The accused is charged with posing as an official of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and allegedly cheating Club Goya, a local establishment, of a substantial sum amounting to Rs 14.2 lakh.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
According to police reports, Pendse deceitfully obtained the payment from Club Goya under the false pretext of upgrading and renewing the GSPCB's licence for the club. This act of misrepresentation and false assurance led to the financial loss, as highlighted in the complaint filed by Himanshu Malhotra, a 34-year-old resident of Vagator and native of Delhi.
Malhotra stated that Pendse dishonestly induced him by posing as a GSPCB official, resulting in the transfer of Rs 14.2 lakh. Consequently, a formal case of cheating has been filed, underscoring the severity of the offence.
Accused Already in Custody for Similar Crimes
Notably, Suraj Pendse is already in the custody of the Calangute police for other offences of an identical nature. Earlier this month, he was arrested for allegedly impersonating a GSPCB official and cheating restaurant and cafe owners of Rs 9.6 lakh. Additionally, he had similarly defrauded a woman from Canacona, indicating a pattern of fraudulent activities.
The investigating officer at the Anjuna police station has taken proactive steps by placing a transfer warrant before the court to facilitate legal proceedings against Pendse, as confirmed by police authorities.
Background on Club Goya and Regulatory Context
Club Goya, the victim in this case, was sealed on December 11 last year by state authorities. The closure was due to multiple regulatory violations, including being constructed on agricultural land without proper commercial zoning. This action was part of a broader crackdown on non-compliant clubs following the tragic Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire on December 6, which claimed 25 lives.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in regulatory enforcement and the vulnerability of businesses to fraudulent schemes amidst heightened scrutiny.
