PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that any names disclosed by the jobs-for-cash prime accused, Pooja Naik, will first be verified by the Goa Police before summons are issued for interrogation.
“Police will first inquire into the names provided by her. If anyone is found involved, they will be called for investigation. I will review the report from the police regarding the statement she gave to the Crime Branch on Sunday,” Sawant told reporters.
He further said he has directed police to register a fresh FIR in view of Naik’s recent allegations. “A detailed investigation was done earlier as well. With fresh claims, I have asked the police to register a new FIR...” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Sudin Dhavalikar stated that if any minister, PWD official or IAS officer is involved in the scam, strict action must follow.
Those involved are playing with the people. They should face strict punishment and suspension. I personally do not trust Pooja Naik,” he said.
Naik was questioned for nearly five hours by the Crime Branch after she alleged that she handed over Rs 17 crore bribe amount to a senior IAS officer, a PWD officer and a minister on behalf of around 600 government jobs aspirants.
In her interview to Prudent Media, Naik had also claimed that the bribes paid in cash were handed over between 2019 and 2021; and the money was in Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes, but not a single applicant ultimately got the government job.
She had also alleged that each government post carried a “specific rate”, and payments were collected and delivered at offices in Porvorim and at the Secretariat. She also got “commission” on each applicant.
The Goa police had refused to officially disclose updates on the probe, with Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta only stating they are investigating the case.
