Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Nov 18: The cash-for-jobs scam controversy intensified after senior IAS officer Nikhil Desai issued a legal notice to accused Pooja Naik, who had publicly named him as an alleged beneficiary of the racket.
The notice, sent via Advocate Jonathan George, invokes criminal defamation under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and seeks Rs 17 crore in damages. It claims Naik’s allegations are “false, malicious, and fabricated,” causing “severe damage” to Desai’s reputation.
The notice directs Naik to:
• Immediately stop making defamatory statements
• Issue a written, unconditional apology within 72 hours
• Publish the apology on all platforms where her claims appeared
• Provide written assurance not to repeat the allegations
Failure to comply, it warns, could result in criminal prosecution and civil action, including recovery of the Rs 17 crore she claims was collected in the alleged scheme.
Responding, Pooja Naik said she is ready to undergo a narco test to substantiate her statements. She reiterated having no political affiliation, though her family reportedly sought help from AAP President Amit Palekar, and she appealed for support from chief minister Pramod Sawant.
Naik also renewed allegations, naming PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, a PWD senior officer, and IAS officer Nikhil Desai as alleged beneficiaries. She claimed Dhavalikar directed her to coordinate with Desai and the PWD officer, overseeing the processing of applications for government jobs.
According to Naik, she forwarded over 600 applications, and Rs 17.68 crore was collected between 2019–2022, yet none of the applicants were employed. She also stated that crucial evidence lies in a mobile phone seized after her arrest.
Meanwhile, victims of the alleged scam met chief minister Pramod Sawant at Sakhali, explaining how they were cheated of their savings. The CM urged them to file detailed police complaints with evidence, noting that the Crime Branch investigation is ongoing. He added that many payments were made without documentation, making formal complaints essential, and described Naik’s claims as “a big lie.”