VASCO
GPCC president Amit Patkar on Saturday demanded immediate police protection for Puja Naik after she publicly alleged the involvement of an IAS officer, a chief engineer and the then PWD minister in the Cash-for-Jobs scam and said she had routed about ₹17 crore to secure roughly 600 appointments. Patkar warned that Naik’s safety could be at risk after she made the disclosure on camera.
Patkar, speaking at a function in Vasco where former TMC spokesperson Jayesh Shetgaonkar formally joined the Congress, said Naik’s claim that she conducted financial transactions and submitted forms at an office in Porvorim placed her in danger and merited state protection. He said Naik had told investigators about names and sums during interrogation and questioned why no action had been taken yet against the officials she named.
“Puja Naik has gone on the record on camera with very serious allegations ” that transactions totalling around ₹17 crore were made and that hundreds of jobs were facilitated. She has said that an IAS officer, a chief engineer and a former PWD minister was involved and described meetings and transactions at an office in Porvorim,” said Patkar.
“If she was arrested in the case , she may have given these details to the police during her interrogation . We must ask why arrests or chargesheets have not followed. The chief minister must explain whether these allegations are being investigated fairly ” and if there is any delay, Puja Naik’s life could be in danger. She needs police protection now.”
Patkar also flagged wider concerns about law and order in the state, linking the perceived inaction on the cash-for-jobs revelations with what he described as a growing loss of faith in the police. He recalled recent violent incidents in Goa to underscore his demand for immediate protective steps and a transparent probe. “When allegations of this scale are made, those who stand to lose financially may resort to violence. The state has a duty to ensure the safety of a woman who has come forward with evidence,” he said. Patkar added that Naik had given an ultimatum that she would name the minister and officers before the media within 24 hours if no action was taken.
