PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday dismissed the allegations made by prime accused in the jobs-for-cash scandal Pooja Naik, terming them a “big lie.”
Urging victims not to be misled by her statements, Sawant appealed to all individuals who were allegedly duped by Naik to file fresh complaints at their respective police stations.
In a recent public video, the prime accused claimed that she paid huge sums in cash to a state minister, a senior IAS officer, and a PWD engineer, alleging their involvement in the scam.
On Sunday, several people claimed to be victims of the high-profile jobs-for-cash scam met Sawant at Ravindra Bhavan in Sanquelim. They recounted how they lost large sums of money after being promised government jobs by Naik, but never received any employment.
During the meeting, the victims laid out their case in detail, saying that they had placed faith in Naik’s assurances and handed over their hard-earned savings. According to them, Naik repeatedly promised placements in various state government departments but the jobs never materialized.
After listening to their ordeal, Sawant urged the affected parties to compile all relevant evidence and file formal complaints at their local police stations. He told them that most victims had paid money in cash, leaving little documentary evidence, and therefore “the case will have to be proven” through formal police complaints and statement.
“Whatever she (Naik) is speaking now is a big lie,” the Chief Minister said.
“You have paid money in cash and there is no evidence to prove it. So everyone will have to file fresh complaints in their respective police stations against Naik. The case will have to be proven,” he added.
Sawant reiterated that the investigation is progressing and said additional complaints will help strengthen the case against Naik and any other involved persons.
Speaking to the media following the meeting, the victims expressed deep disappointment: “We gave her money with great hope, trusting her promises. But she betrayed that trust. We have not received a single rupee back. With no other recourse left, we came to the Chief Minister, who has now promised us justice.”
The jobs-for-cash scam came into public view in October 2024, when it was revealed that several hundred people had allegedly been duped of crores of rupees.
Naik, a key accused, is said to have collected around Rs 17-18 crore from job aspirants between 2019 and 2022 by falsely promising government jobs.
