PANAJI: The Goa Police have said there is no corroborative evidence so far to support jobs-for-cash accused Pooja Naik’s allegations about the involvement of two government officers, one from the IAS cadre and another from the PWD, in an alleged Rs 17.68 crore recruitment scam.
Speaking to reporters today, SP Crime Branch Rahul Gupta said the allegations are being examined in detail, but prima facie, the face value of her accusations cannot be taken as true, given her criminal background and the absence of supporting evidence.
“We have seen the background of this allegation. Pooja Naik was involved in five criminal cases. She was arrested and released from jail on November 21, 2024. Three of those cases have been charge-sheeted, and two are still under investigation. We have checked the records of those cases and found nothing on record regarding government functionaries,” Gupta said.
Naik, in her statement recorded on Sunday, had again named two officers and claimed that job aspirants paid money in a flat located at the PDA Colony, where she allegedly handed over cash to a senior government official.
“We verified the flat details, spoke to the owner, and were told that only hotel management students used to stay there. So, this particular allegation has not been corroborated. Similarly, other claims are being cross-verified with different evidence,” Gupta added.
He stressed that, given Naik’s criminal background, her allegations are being treated with caution. “We need to keep in mind that she was involved in five cases. Therefore, her allegations must be corroborated with other available evidence before any conclusion can be drawn,” he said.
When asked whether any politicians were mentioned, Gupta said Naik had referred to two officers but had not accused any minister. “She has mentioned a few names but has not accused any minister. Anybody can make an allegation, but until there is corroborative evidence, we will not disclose any names,” he said, adding that any inquiry into officers, if warranted, would follow due process under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Gupta said the ongoing inquiry is being conducted under Section 173(3) of the BNSS, which allows 14 days for verification. “We are not giving a clean chit to anyone. The inquiry is still underway, and we are examining all aspects thoroughly. If any facts are corroborated, further action, whether registration of FIR or departmental proceedings, will follow,” he said.
He also confirmed that assets and properties linked to Naik’s earlier cases have been recovered, and the process of refunding victims’ money will continue through the court.
