PANAJI
Nearly 100 victims, 29 FIRs, 33 arrests, and some cash and gold recoveries are the latest updates in a multi-crore jobs-for-cash scam that has rocked Goa for over a fortnight.
With more complainants coming forward and allegations of political links emerging, Goa Police have denied any external interference asserting the investigation is unbiased.
Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar also claimed that there is no need for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) as the cases are being handled effectively at the police station level.
He added that senior officers are closely monitoring the cases to ensure professionalism. “We are acting against all names emerging during the investigation. Arrests are being made and the probe is being conducted in a fair and transparent manner, without any interference. Complainants are confidently approaching police stations. Cases are being promptly registered,” Kumar said as senior officers held a press conference on Saturday to provide updates on the ongoing probe into the jobs-for-cash scam.
DGP further stated that arrests are being made, properties seized and other investigative processes are progressing effectively. “There is no unfairness in the investigation. All facts are being thoroughly examined and accordingly, action is taken,” he added.
On the demand for an SIT from certain quarters, the DGP firmly denied any such move. “The probe is progressing well under the supervision of DGP, Inspector General of Police and Deputy Inspector General of Police DIG to ensure it meets the required professional standards. At present, there is no need for an SIT,” he said.
Of 33 cases registered till Saturday evening, North Goa police stations registered 12 FIRs with Bicholim police station registering the highest five cases and 17 FIRs in South Goa.
Superintendent of Police (North) Akshat Kaushal informed the media about the arrest of 13 accused, some of whom are linked to multiple cases. In North Goa, 44 victims have been identified while in South Goa, over 50 victims have been duped.
“The accused received payments both in cash and through bank transactions. We are collaborating with bank officials to trace the source and destination of these transactions. The investigation is ongoing,” Kaushal said.
He added that 116 grams of gold have been recovered so far. One of the accused, Priya Yadav, allegedly duped victims of jobs and properties, and mortgaged their gold.
SP Sunita Sawant (South Goa) confirmed the arrest of 20 accused in her jurisdiction, while one accused remains at large. Among those arrested are two government employees.
“We have seized 12 incriminating documents, two mini buses, 12 four-wheelers, four two-wheelers and frozen the bank accounts of the accused,” Sawant said. She added that the total fraud amount in South Goa exceeds Rs 5 crore.
“There are no political connections. The accused only created an impression of political links to mislead victims. Many resorted to fraud to have luxurious lifestyles,” Sawant revealed.
The police have also denied the existence of an organised racket stating these are standalone cases except in instances wherein three groups duped multiple victims.
The remaining cases are standalone incidents. The accused used names to convince victims of their connections, but our investigation has found no links,” Kumar said replying to media queries about political links and the viral audio.
