Margao – The All Goa FMCG & Telecom Distributors Association has extended full support to Margao traders and demanded immediate scrapping of SOPO collection from goods transport vehicles. The association has also endorsed youth leader Prabhav Naik’s allegation that the so-called SOPO collectors are operating in a “mafia-style” manner, creating fear and harassment among the trading community.
The demand follows sustained complaints raised by traders in Margao, including senior citizens and women, regarding the highhanded and intimidating conduct of SOPO collectors. Prabhav Naik had earlier taken up the issue formally by submitting a representation to the South Goa Collector on 20th April 2026, with copies marked to the Chief Minister, Urban Development Minister, PWD Minister, MLAs of Fatorda and Curtorim, and the Chief Officer of the Margao Municipal Council, seeking an inquiry into the legality and functioning of the collection system.
Strengthening these claims, Madganvcho Awaaz released testimonies of senior trader Arun Prabhakar Desai, young businessman Samarth Talaulikar, and office-bearers of the All Goa FMCG & Telecom Distributors Association, including Secretary Chetan Kapdi and President Darryl Pereira. They highlighted instances of alleged harassment and questioned the legal authority of the Margao Municipal Council to levy such charges on goods vehicles entering the city.
The association has termed the SOPO collection system as unjust, arbitrary, and discriminatory, pointing out that no similar mechanism exists in other municipal areas of Goa. Traders have questioned why Margao alone is subjected to such a practice, which they claim disrupts business operations and imposes an additional financial burden without transparency or accountability.
Meanwhile, individuals claiming to be associated with the SOPO contractor appointed by the Margao Municipal Council have filed a police complaint against Prabhav Naik for referring to the operation as a “mafia.” The individuals subsequently released a video appealing to citizens not to be misled by the allegations.
Reacting to the development, Prabhav Naik stated that he was verbally contacted by the Police Inspector of Margao in connection with the complaint & was called to Margao Police Station. “I have consulted my lawyer and will take appropriate legal recourse. I will not be intimidated or silenced. I will continue to stand with the traders of Margao and fight against this unjust system,” he asserted.
