MARGAO, June 14 -- The inquiry into allegations that police personnel were collecting money from motorists with-out issuing challans near the Mollem check-post has gathered pace, with state-ments of several police of-ficials already recorded by the inquiry officer.

South Goa Superintendent of Police Shekhar Prabhudessai confirmed that the inquiry had commenced and that statements had been recorded as part of the preliminary investigation.

"The inquiry officer has already started the inquiry and some statements have been recorded. However, no inquiry report has been submitted to me so far," Prabhudessai said. He added that appropriate action would be initiated once the inquiry report is received.

"We will initiate action once the inquir...