Pooja Naik’s Confessions The allegations made by Pooja Naik have stirred considerable debate. Her claims of acting as an intermediary in cash-for-jobs transactions raise troubling questions. Whether she has been encouraged to reveal these details for political reasons, or whether she feels cheated herself, remains uncertain. Yet, her disclosures about applicants, departments, venues of transactions, and the alleged crores exchanged in cash cannot be dismissed lightly.
Official attempts to brush aside her statements as imagination or defamation appear inadequate. The system, as alleged, is manipulated from the stage of rigged interviews to the final selection, leaving little scope for concrete proof. Cash transactions or recordings are risky, especially when trust prevails between parties. Neither giver nor taker is inclined to speak, as both stand to lose money, opportunities, and face legal action. Hence the silence. The public is not unaware of the cash-for-jobs culture. Bribes reportedly range from ₹20 to ₹40 lakh for posts such as doctors, engineers, RTO staff, and teachers, extending proportionately to lower-level jobs. These are often disguised as party contributions, with refunds offered if placement fails—creating a perverse sense of assurance. High unemployment and limited opportunities have only worsened this trend. Legal processes now seem poised to dilute the complaint through threats of defamation and punishment to both giver and taker. If the alleged recipients cannot be identified, how can the complainants be intimidated? Is Pooja acting independently, or at the behest of political forces ahead of the Ponda election? Only time will tell. While her claims may not meet strict legal standards, the seriousness and specificity of the allegations cannot be ignored. As with similar episodes in the past, however, there is every chance that this storm may eventually fade out. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
