NT Reporter | Panaji
The crime branch of the Goa police has sought approval of the state government to investigate two senior officers who have been named in the cash-for-job scam by Pooja Naik, one of the main accused in the scam.
A senior police officer said that under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act a prior approval from the competent authority is needed to investigate any offence alleged to have been committed by a public servant, where an alleged offence is relatable to any recommendation made or decision taken by such public servant in discharge of his official functions
or duties.
Naik claimed that she had told the police last year about the involvement of two senior government officials in the scam, but nothing was done in the matter.
Speaking to a news channel on Monday, Naik said she once again disclosed the names of the two officials to the crime branch in her statement given on Sunday.
She was called again on Tuesday in connection with the matter. Referring to the role of an incumbent cabinet minister, Naik claimed that the minister in question had introduced her to the two officers in 2012-13.
She claimed that both government officers had received around Rs 17.68 crore towards 613 job applications in various departments.
They had assured to return the money, but failed, she maintained while speaking to the news channel.
Naik said that she has been following up with the officers vis-à-vis the refund.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Yuri Alemao demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter, stating that it is the moral responsibility of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to act immediately.
“We can’t trust the police because a cabinet minister is involved, and the people in power are allegedly part of the scam. There has to be a judicial inquiry for neutrality and to give justice to the Goan youths,” Alemao said.
All India Congress Committee’s Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare said the minister concerned should be sacked, adding that the Chief Minister should take the responsibility and resign.
