The Goa Police have widened their investigation into the alleged multi-crore cash-for-jobs scam after one of the prime accused claimed that a Cabinet minister, an IAS officer, and another government employee were involved in the racket.
Hundreds of job aspirants were allegedly duped after being promised government jobs in exchange for large sums of money. 
The scam first surfaced in October 2024, when a complainant reported paying lakhs to an accused for a job offer that never materialised. 
Since then, police have registered at least 33 FIRs across the state and made several arrests.
Initially, investigators ruled out any political connections or an &ldquo;organised nexus&rdquo;, suggesting that the accused may have used the names of politicians merely to mislead victims.
However, this week, one of the main accused, Pooja Naik, who was arrested last year and is currently out on bail, told a regional news channel that she collected money from victims on instructions from a Cabinet minister, a senior IAS officer, and a government engineer.&nbsp;
She did not disclose their names publicly.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured a comprehensive inquiry into Naik&rsquo;s claims and said a new FIR would be filed to examine the fresh allegations.
The Crime Branch questioned Naik for over three hours on Tuesday, following her summons by Bicholim police on Monday.&nbsp;
A senior officer said, &ldquo;During questioning, she mentioned some names. The police will write to the Vigilance department to initiate an inquiry against the government officials named in the disclosure, and after sanction is received, legal action will be taken accordingly.&rdquo;
Opposition leaders have demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged scam.
Congress leader Yuri Alemao, the Leader of Opposition, said, &ldquo;We cannot trust the police&hellip; since a Cabinet minister and people in power are alleged to be involved in the scam itself. There has to be a judicial inquiry to ensure that there is neutrality, and so the youth of Goa get justice.&rdquo;
Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai alleged that the investigation so far has been superficial, saying, &ldquo;It is clear now that the probe into the scam by the Goa Police is an eye-wash. The accused revealed names a year ago, yet they are missing from the chargesheet. The BJP government is selling jobs and destroying our youth&rsquo;s future.&rdquo;

Police officials question accused in Goa scam

Goa Police widen probe as accused alleges involvement of minister and senior IAS officer

Goa Job Scam Probe Widens After New Claims

Goa Police widen probe as accused alleges involvement of minister and senior IAS officer

November 12, 2025 | 09:47 IST