Goa CM Pramod Sawant PANAJI: Hundreds of Goans have been duped of crores of rupees in a cash-for-jobs scam. Goa police have so far registered 20 cases across state — including 12 in North Goa district and eight in South Goa district — and arrested 19 people for promising to secure govt jobs in exchange for cash. The scam also saw a govt employee taking his life after his name figured in the case.
Over the past few weeks, a new case has been registered almost every day, with a maximum of three FIRs each at Ponda, Agassaim and Bicholim police stations. Among those arrested include police personnel, senior govt officers, teachers and other persons claiming to have strong political links. The accused in different cases assured jobs in various state departments including public works, water resources, education, transport, revenue, police and health.
The scam came to light last month when Goa police registered a case against one Pooja Naik for duping several people across state of crores of rupees by promising them govt job. Soon after Naik’s arrest, Goa CM Pramod Sawant warned politicians and govt employees of strict action in case of their involvement in the scam. Sawant also requested citizens to file complaints if they had paid to secure a govt job.
“Govt jobs are not for sale,” the CM had said. Modus operandi in each case has been different. Naik, for instance, had allegedly told some acquaintances that since she worked at office of a regional political party in Pan.