Goa AAP seeks judicial inquiry into cash-for-jobs scam, says Crime Branch probe inadequate

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa on Friday renewed its demand for a judicial inquiry into the multi-crore cash-for-jobs scam, asserting that it has “no faith” in the Crime Branch’s handling of the case. The scam allegedly involved collecting large amounts of money from aspirants in exchange for promised government jobs that were never delivered.

The case surfaced last year following the arrest of Puja Naik, accused of amassing more than Rs 17 crore from hundreds of job seekers between 2019 and 2022. Naik, who is now out on bail, recently posted a video alleging that a cabinet minister, an IAS officer and a PWD engineer were among the officials who received the money she collected. She has claimed that the officials had set “rates” for posts in multiple departments and that she acted as an intermediary, passing on the cash to her “superiors” who later failed to honour their promises or return the funds.

Goa AAP president Amit Palekar said the scale of the scam and the involvement of senior officials made it impossible for a state police agency to conduct a credible probe. “When a sitting minister and top officers are named, a Crime Branch investigation under the same government raises serious doubts. Only a judicial inquiry can bring transparency,” he said.

In her latest allegations, Naik accused state Minister and MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar of connecting her to officials who allegedly received the bribe money. Dhavalikar has rejected the allegations as “fabricated”, saying the Crime Branch is already examining the matter and has sought more time to finalise its findings. MGP chief Deepak Dhavalikar also denied Naik’s claim that she was employed at the party office.

If initiated, a judicial inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act could carry significant political and administrative consequences. While such inquiries cannot directly remove a minister, political convention often forces those facing scrutiny to step aside. Adverse findings could also lead to removal from the Cabinet or affect electoral prospects. For government officers, the fallout could include suspension, departmental action, transfers or even criminal prosecution.

Police records show Naik is named in five cases across Goa and was granted bail on November 21 last year.