PANAJI
The jobs-for-cash scam in Goa has taken an intriguing new turn with the prime accused Pooja Naik refusing to undergo a narco-analysis test.
Police had sought her consent for the test as part of their investigation, but Naik declined.
Following her refusal, the Crime Branch has now filed an application before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Ponda, seeking permission to proceed.
The scam, which erupted last year, created a storm across political circles in the State with allegations surfacing that candidates were asked to pay money in exchange for government jobs.
A minister and an IAS officer were implicated in the allegations and the controversy had led to the registration of multiple FIRs, suspension of government employees and had also triggered widespread public outrage.
Naik, who faces multiple FIRs registered in Madkai, Ponda, Divar and Porvorim, had earlier alleged that she was pressured to undergo the narco test.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had directed the Crime Branch to conduct a thorough probe, leading investigators to push for the controversial narco-analysis procedure which courts, including the Supreme Court of India holding that it cannot be forced on a subject without consent.
With the application now before the JMFC, the court’s decision will determine whether police can move ahead with the narco test.
The outcome is expected to be crucial in shaping the next phase of the investigation into one of Goa’s most high-profile recruitment scandals.
