Cash-for-job scam accused Pooja names two govt officials

Cops managed to get name from her phone records; CM warns stern action against officials named by the imposter
Cash-for-job scam accused 
Pooja names two govt officials
Published on

Team Herald

PANJIM: Arrested by Mardol Police for allegedly cheating a Curti-based citizen of Rs 14 lakh, imposter Pooja Naik, finally spilled the beans by naming two government officials who allegedly helped her get jobs.

According to police sources, men in uniform have managed to get the names of the officials from Pooja’s phone records.

Pooja, who travelled abroad on multiple occasions, also admitted to arranging two jobs in collusion with Goa government officers. Police have arrested the government officials who allegedly helped Pooja arrange jobs. One of them is a retired employee, while the other is still in service.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that stern action will be taken against the government officials named by Pooja.

“They will not go unpunished,” he said while speaking at the Vigilance Week event held on Monday.

He pointed out that in the last eight to 10 days, nine individuals, including two Goa government officials, have been arrested in connection with the job scam.

The Chief Minister said despite having no stable source of income, Pooja owns five high-end cars, including an Audi and a Fortuner, four apartments, and has made eight to 10 foreign trips.

According to police, Pooja had allegedly assured one family member a position as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) and another a Junior Engineer role in the Public Works Department (PWD). The Mardol Police have registered a case under Section 318 (4) of the BNS.

In related developments, Porvorim and Bicholim Police have also registered cases against Naik, with complaints alleging that she defrauded other individuals by promising them government jobs in return for cash.

Meanwhile, Ponda police have issued a lookout notice for Deepashri Sawant Gauns from Marcel, allegedly accused of cheating a woman from Usgao, Ponda, of Rs 15 lakh under the pretext of securing a government primary teacher job. Deepashri is allegedly the primary accused. Police personnel Sagar Naik has already been arrested, along with a female relative of his, who was detained by Ponda Police on Monday.

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