PANAJI: Hundreds of Goans have fallen victim to a cash-for-jobs scam, losing crores of rupees in the process. Goa police have registered 20 cases so far across the state—12 in North Goa and 8 in South Goa—and arrested 19 individuals for allegedly promising government jobs in exchange for money. The scandal has also led to a tragic incident, with a government employee taking his own life after his name was linked to the scam.
Over the past few weeks, new cases have been filed almost daily, with up to three FIRs each registered at police stations in Ponda, Agassaim, and Bicholim. Among those arrested are police personnel, senior government officers, teachers, and individuals claiming political connections. The accused offered jobs in several state departments, including public works, water resources, education, transport, revenue, police, and health.
The scam first came to light last month when Goa police registered a case against one Pooja Naik, accused of defrauding several people of crores of rupees by promising them government jobs. Following her arrest, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant issued a stern warning to politicians and government employees, vowing strict action against anyone involved. He also urged citizens to report if they had paid for a government job, emphasizing that “Government jobs are not for sale.”
The methods used by the accused varied. In Naik’s case, she allegedly told acquaintances that, through her work with a regional political party in Panaji, she could secure government jobs in departments like transport and public works for a fee, leveraging her connections with senior officials.
The most recent arrest is of Shruti Prabhugaonkar, a resident of Porvorim, who claimed to be the BJP Mahila Block President for Nuvem constituency in South Goa. While the BJP confirmed her past association with the party, it clarified that she was no longer a member. After her arrest on Tuesday, CM Sawant, without naming names, said: “The BJP has five lakh general members. Even former party members, if found involved in the scam, will not be spared. That person has been arrested.”
In a firm statement, the CM added that the government would seize and attach the properties of those involved in the scam to ensure the victims get their money back. “We will not stop at filing cases. Property will be seized, and we will follow up on every case until the victims get their money back,” he said.
Investigations revealed that many victims were either familiar with the accused or had relatives searching for permanent government jobs. The accused were using the money to fund lavish lifestyles, buying gold jewelry and luxury cars.
The scam also had a tragic outcome when Shridhar Kerkar, a 51-year-old attendant at the OBC Corporation, died by suicide after his name was linked to the case. Shridhar had been missing since October 30, the day after Naik and her accomplice, Ajit Shashikant Satarkar (49), were released on bail.
The Congress party has called for a special probe, while the BJP has maintained that it was under its government that the scam was uncovered.
