THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Congress on Monday demanded Bombay High Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged cash-for-jobs scam, questioning the pace of the investigation into alleged forged signatures and fake appointment orders.
In a statement issued, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar also demanded Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s resignation alleging possible link in the case.
Chodankar questioned the alleged political connections of accused Ajit Shankhwalkar and sought an investigation into how he was allegedly seen moving around the Goa Assembly premises alongside senior police officers despite the serious allegations against him.
“When allegations involve forged signatures of the Chief Minister and fake appointment orders bearing his name, the people of Goa deserve immediate answers,” Chodankar said, questioning who facilitated the accused’s access to the Assembly premises and why the investigation lacked urgency.
Accusing Sawant of maintaining a casual approach to the controversy, Chodankar said the Chief Minister must take responsibility for ensuring a transparent and time-bound investigation. He alleged that the developments had undermined public confidence in the recruitment system.
Congress demanded Sawant’s resignation or removal, an independent SIT investigation monitored by the High Court, and a probe into the alleged role and conduct of the concerned Superintendent of Police-rank officer.
Chodankar said investigators must establish the authenticity and source of the allegedly forged documents, identify those responsible and examine whether political or administrative influence was used to facilitate the alleged fraud.
He asserted that Congress would continue to demand accountability until the truth emerges, with those found guilty facing legal action irrespective of their political connections.
