Graft case: Suspended MMC clerk faces disciplinary action

Margao: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Yogesh Shetkar, a lower division clerk (LDC) who was suspended last year for allegedly misappropriating Rs 17 lakh that was collected from feast fair stalls during the Purumentachem Fest.
The departmental inquiry commenced earlier this week under the supervision of municipal engineer Deepak Phaldessai.
The hour-long session marked the first formal step in addressing the allegations against Shetkar, whose failure to deposit the collected revenue into the municipal treasury triggered a series of criminal proceedings.
Former chief officer of MMC Gaurish Shankhwalkar initially issued warnings of criminal action against Shetkar. When these warnings went unheeded, the MMC suspended the clerk and filed a police complaint.
Shetkar subsequently evaded the authorities, prompting the issuance of a lookout notice before he was finally apprehended at the Margao railway station. He was later released on bail.
In a parallel development, Shetkar faces separate accusations of operating a fraudulent investment scheme. A complaint lodged with the Margao town police alleges that he cheated investors by promising unrealistic returns of Rs 1,000 daily for a one-year period.
The incumbent chief officer of the municipal council, Melvyn Vaz, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Sources in the MMC said the inquiry will involve questioning other employees and officers who were involved in the feast fair collection process.
Sources also said that the inquiry is expected to be a long-drawn process. “We are thoroughly examining all aspects of these cases, including the potential involvement of other municipal staff,” a senior municipal officer said.
Initial attempts to serve a notice to Shetkar were unsuccessful as he was not present at his registered address.