PANAJI
The jobs-for-cash scam in Goa which had got a new twist with prime accused Pooja Naik alleging that a minister, an IAS officer, and a PWD engineer were involved in the Rs 17 crore recruitment racket in a televised interview on Friday and threatened to reveal names within 24 hours if money was not returned, failed to follow through. The episode, however, has intensified the acrimony in the State's political arena.
Pooja had claimed that over 600 job aspirants paid cash for promised government posts, which were allegedly facilitated by the trio. While she claimed the IAS, PWD official and a minister were involved, she withheld the minister’s identity, citing safety concerns.
“I sold everything to repay people from whom I collected money,” she said, adding that she had repeatedly approached the accused for reimbursement without success.
On Saturday, well beyond her own 24-hour deadline, Pooja has however failed to follow through with her threat to name those involved. The channel also said that efforts to contact the officials and get their side of the story proved futile as there was no response to telephone calls or Whatsapp messages.
The channel on its 8 pm show also said that although the public wants to know the names, these cannot be revealed based on her claims due to legal implications.
Pooja's claims have meanwhile triggered a storm of reactions from political leaders. Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar demanded immediate action and protection for Naik.
“This is not just a scam, it’s a betrayal of public trust. The government must ensure her safety and conduct a fair investigation. We cannot allow powerful individuals to escape accountability,” Patkar stated.
Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai echoed the demand for transparency. “This is a test of the government’s integrity. If the accused are truly influential, then the administration must prove it is not compromised. We demand a judicial probe monitored by the High Court,” Sardesai said.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira expressed skepticism about Naik’s motives.
“Is this a genuine confession or an extortion attempt? Corruption remains a crime even if the money is returned. The court must decide whether leniency is warranted,” Ferreira said.
He also questioned the timeline of the scam, noting that Naik claimed it occurred between 2019 and 2021, while evidence suggests it continued until 2025.
“Was the money ever declared to the Income Tax Department?” he asked.
The Congress has called for witness protection and a transparent investigation, warning that any harm to Naik could compromise the probe. As the controversy deepens, all eyes are on the State government’s next move.
Inquiry ongoing, assures Sawant
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, late on Saturday, stated that the investigation into the Pooja Naik jobs-for-cash scam is still in progress.
“The investigation in the Pooja Naik, jobs-for-cash scam is ongoing,” Sawant said adding, “no one will be spared. All will be behind bars”.
Sawant also said he has instructed the police to arrest everyone involved in the Morjim murder case.
