Can Ex-Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee's Aide Arpita Mukherjee Unfreeze Her Bank Accounts?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, Arpita Mukherjee has taken action to regain access to her frozen bank accounts, highlighting her financial struggles amid ongoing investigations against her and former minister Partha Chatterjee. This case raises questions about justice and accountability in high-profile corruption cases.
Key Takeaways
- Arpita Mukherjee filed a petition to unfreeze her bank accounts.
- The accounts were frozen as part of a corruption investigation.
- She faces financial difficulties due to the freeze.
- The court has asked for a new application from Mukherjee.
- Partha Chatterjee's legal situation remains complex with ongoing implications.
Kolkata, Dec 8 (NationPress) Arpita Mukherjee, a close associate of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, submitted a petition on Monday to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, seeking permission from the Enforcement Directorate to release her three bank accounts. This request arises amid the ongoing investigation into the recruitment corruption case linked to the school service commission.
Mukherjee's petition states that she is currently experiencing significant financial hardship and urgently requires access to her bank accounts. Previously arrested by the ED in 2022 for her alleged role in the recruitment scandal, she is now out on bail.
During Monday's court hearing, her attorney informed the ED court that the freezing of Mukherjee's three crucial accounts at a state-owned bank has resulted in severe difficulties in her daily life, leading to her struggling to meet basic needs.
The lawyer emphasized that Mukherjee opened these accounts in 2004 to manage her income from her career in acting and modeling, well before any allegations arose. Thus, they argued, there is no justifiable reason to keep the accounts frozen.
Despite the ED's findings indicating no connection between these accounts and any corrupt activities, Mukherjee is facing challenges due to their continued freeze. Following the attorney's arguments, the court directed Mukherjee to submit a new application.
It is noteworthy that the former education minister was detained by the ED in July 2022 due to alleged involvement in a multi-crore SSC teacher recruitment scam. On the day of Chatterjee's arrest, authorities discovered ₹20 crore in cash at Mukherjee's residence, leading to her arrest as well. She was granted bail in 2024.
This past September, the Calcutta High Court also granted bail to Chatterjee. However, his release was delayed due to a directive from the Supreme Court, which mandated that he could only be released after the trial court completed the examination of key witnesses within a two-month timeframe. He was ultimately released from judicial custody on November 11.
Point of View
This situation underscores the challenges faced by individuals embroiled in high-profile corruption cases. The legal system's handling of Arpita Mukherjee's plea reflects broader issues of justice and the balance between investigation and individual rights. NationPress remains committed to covering developments in this case as they unfold.
NationPress
10/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arpita Mukherjee request in court?
Arpita Mukherjee requested the PMLA court to unfreeze her three bank accounts, citing financial difficulties due to their current status.
Why were Mukherjee's accounts frozen?
Her accounts were frozen as part of the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into a corruption case related to the school service commission.
What was the outcome of the court hearing?
The court instructed Mukherjee to file a new application regarding her request to unfreeze her accounts.
When was Arpita Mukherjee arrested?
She was arrested in 2022 during the ED's investigation into the alleged recruitment scam.
What is the status of Partha Chatterjee's bail?
Chatterjee was granted bail in September 2023, but his release was delayed due to a Supreme Court directive.
