The ongoing ‘cash-for-jobs’ scam in Goa has taken a significant turn with the arrest of Aniket Kandolkar, a former staff member of Minister Govind Gawde. Kandolkar, 27, from Marcela, was apprehended by Mardol police on November 18, 2024, for his alleged involvement in the fraudulent scheme. He is suspected to have collaborated with Dipashree Sawant, who is already in police custody for similar charges.

The scam first came to light with allegations of large-scale corruption in job recruitment processes. Reports indicate that Kandolkar and others collected significant sums from job seekers under the pretense of securing positions in government departments. Some victims have claimed to have paid lakhs of rupees, only to realize that the promised jobs were non-existent or fraudulent.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged victims to come forward and assured strict action against those involved. Opposition leaders like Amit Patkar have demanded a thorough judicial probe, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. The scam has also cast a shadow on the credibility of recruitment in Goa, with calls for reforms in the hiring process.