Did Bengal Minister Chandranath Sinha Really Appear Before ED for Questioning?
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Synopsis
West Bengal Minister Chandranath Sinha has appeared before the Enforcement Directorate, following a court directive related to the cash-for-school-job scandal. His cooperation comes amid allegations of financial irregularities. What implications could this have for his political career? Find out more in our detailed report.
Key Takeaways
- Chandranath Sinha appeared before the ED following a court directive.
- The investigation is linked to a multi-crore cash-for-school-job scandal.
- The PMLA court denied a request for Sinha's custody.
- Financial irregularities were highlighted in the ED's charge sheet.
- Public reactions are varied, reflecting concerns about corruption.
Kolkata, Sep 25 (NationPress) Following the orders of the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), West Bengal Minister Chandranath Sinha visited the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office on Thursday.
He arrived at the Central Government Office (CGO) complex located in Salt Lake on the outskirts of Kolkata to undergo questioning concerning his alleged participation in the multi-crore cash-for-school-job scandal.
On Wednesday, the special PMLA court dismissed the ED's request for a seven-day custody of Sinha, instructing him to report to the ED’s office for two consecutive days, Thursday and Friday, to undergo interrogation related to the case.
“I am here to fully cooperate with the investigation agency,” Sinha asserted before entering the ED office. “The agency has not requested any new documents from me at this moment. I intend to fully assist in the investigation.” Sinha holds the position of Minister for West Bengal Correctional Services, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Textiles Departments.
Earlier, on September 6, Sinha had surrendered to the same PMLA court as part of the ED's investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. The court subsequently granted him interim bail on a personal bond of ₹10,000, subject to certain conditions.
Earlier this month, the ED presented its sixth supplementary charge sheet to the special court, outlining financial discrepancies involving Sinha and his family. The ED had previously sought a seven-day custody for Sinha, which was denied by the special court on Wednesday.
The documents submitted by the ED to the court revealed a series of substantial cash deposits into a joint account held by Sinha and his wife, Kuntala Sinha, at a public sector bank branch in Kolkata.
The sixth supplementary charge sheet indicates that ₹1.18 crore in cash was deposited into this joint account from January 2016 to November 2019, a period identified as the height of the alleged school recruitment fraud.
Point of View
I believe that the ongoing investigation into Minister Chandranath Sinha highlights the need for accountability in government. While it is crucial to respect due process, the allegations surrounding the cash-for-school-job case raise serious concerns about transparency in the recruitment process and governance in West Bengal. We must ensure that the truth prevails.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cash-for-school-job case?
The cash-for-school-job case involves allegations of financial misconduct related to the recruitment process in West Bengal schools, where officials are accused of accepting bribes for job placements.
What are the charges against Chandranath Sinha?
Chandranath Sinha is being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate regarding his involvement in the cash-for-school-job scam, and financial irregularities have been cited in the ED's charge sheet.
What is the significance of the PMLA court's decision?
The PMLA court's decision to deny the ED's request for Sinha's custody indicates the court's stance on the necessity of due process, while still acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations.
How has the public reacted to the investigation?
Public reaction has been mixed, with some expressing concern over corruption in the education system, while others support Sinha, arguing for his innocence until proven guilty.
What are the potential implications for Sinha's political career?
Depending on the outcome of the investigation and any potential charges, Sinha's political career could be severely impacted, potentially leading to resignation or loss of public trust.
