Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Nov 10: Pooja Naik, the prime accused in the jobs-for-cash scam, was questioned for several hours by the Goa Police Crime Branch on Sunday, just two days after she made explosive allegations against a cabinet minister, a senior IAS officer, and a PWD engineer, claiming she routed around Rs 17 crore through them.
Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rahul Gupta, IPS, confirmed that Naik was called for an inquiry and her statement was recorded. “The contents of the statement are being examined,” Gupta said, adding that the next course of action will be decided after reviewing her deposition.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant directed the police to summon Naik for a fresh probe following her televised interview, which has triggered a major political storm in the state.
In her interview aired on Friday, Naik had alleged that a cabinet minister, a senior IAS officer, and a PWD engineer were part of a network that collected crores of rupees from job aspirants in exchange for government posts. She claimed that the funds — over Rs 17 crore — were routed through her, and she publicly demanded that the trio return the money within three days, failing which she would reveal their names and approach the Chief Minister directly.
Reacting to the allegations, Sawant said the matter will be investigated strictly through legal procedures. “She may name whoever she wants before the investigating officer. There is no need to approach me personally,” he said. “Once the investigation is completed and facts are established, action will be taken against anyone — minister or officer — without exception.”
The Chief Minister reiterated that Naik must record her statement before the police and magistrate rather than making public claims through the media. He also assured that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability.
The jobs-for-money scam, which has already seen multiple arrests, had shaken Goa’s recruitment system earlier this year. Naik’s latest revelations have now added a new urgency to the case, with growing public pressure for a fair and impartial investigation.
“The government is transparent and will not shield anyone involved in wrongdoing,” Sawant affirmed.