Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Aug 12: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has raised the alarm over a series of impersonation and fraud cases, urging immediate police intervention after multiple commercial establishments were duped by individuals posing as Board officials.
In a formal complaint submitted to the Deputy Inspector General of Police and Superintendents of Police in both North and South Goa, GSPCB Member Secretary Sanjeev Joglekar revealed that at least six cases have emerged in which a fraudster contacted businesses claiming they lacked the mandatory “Consent to Operate” and demanded online payments to issue the document or to avoid penal action such as closure.

Victims reportedly made payments via GPay, but the funds never reached the Pollution Board. Furthermore, the so-called “Consent to Operate” certificates provided in return were determined to be counterfeit.
The impersonator, who has allegedly used multiple identities — including names such as Sudesh Gawas, Sudesh Bhonsle, Suraj Vivek Pendse, and Siddharth Gaonkar — has been operating this scam since last year, the complaint stated.
The GSPCB has requested a detailed status report on investigations related to each complaint and has called for immediate action to prevent recurrence of such fraudulent activities.
Goa Police have acknowledged receipt of the complaint and confirmed that instructions have been issued to the respective police stations to submit action taken reports.
The Board has also advised commercial operators to remain vigilant and verify the credentials of any person claiming to represent the GSPCB before making any payments or sharing sensitive information.