Bengal school job scam: Accused businessman seeks CBI approver status
Synopsis
A key accused in Bengal's cash-for-school-job scam has written to the CBI seeking approver status, claiming he was silenced by life threats under the previous TMC government. His letter reportedly details money delivery to a top TMC leader and a ₹5 crore collection target — allegations that could reshape the probe if corroborated.
Key Takeaways
Accused businessman Santu Gangopadhyay has written to the CBI seeking to become an approver in the Bengal school job scam.
He reportedly alleged that he and co-accused Kuntal Ghosh delivered money to a top TMC leader.
Gangopadhyay claimed the duo faced pressure for not meeting a ₹5 crore collection target from aspiring teachers.
He cited alleged life threats under the previous TMC government as the reason for his earlier silence.
Former Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee , a close associate, spent over three years in jail in the same case.
Kolkata-based businessman Santu Gangopadhyay, an accused in the multi-crore cash-for-school-job scam in West Bengal, has reportedly written a letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking to become an approver in the case. The development, which surfaced on Saturday, could mark a significant turning point in one of the most high-profile recruitment corruption cases in the state's history.
What Gangopadhyay's letter reveals
According to sources familiar with the matter, Gangopadhyay claimed in his letter that he had been willing to share details about the school job scam much earlier but was compelled to remain silent due to alleged life threats during the previous All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
With the change of government in West Bengal following the Assembly elections earlier this year, Gangopadhyay reportedly said he had gained the confidence to reveal everything to the central probe agency. He has now formally pleaded to be granted approver status in the matter.
Allegations of money delivery to top TMC leader
In the letter, Gangopadhyay reportedly described how he and co-accused Kuntal Ghosh delivered money to a top leader in the TMC. He further claimed that both he and Ghosh faced the ire of the said leader for allegedly failing to meet a target of collecting ₹5 crore from candidates aspiring to become primary teachers in state-run schools.
This is a significant allegation, as it suggests a structured collection mechanism with set financial targets — pointing to organised corruption rather than ad hoc bribery, according to those tracking the case.
Background: Chargesheet and past arrests
Gangopadhyay was named in the CBI's chargesheet related to the fraudulent recruitment of primary teachers in government schools. He was arrested earlier in connection with the case but is currently out on bail.
He was known as an extremely close confidant of former West Bengal Education Minister and former TMC Secretary General Partha Chatterjee, who spent more than three years in jail over his involvement in the same scam. Chatterjee is also currently out on bail.
Ongoing threats and plea for family security
Sources said that Gangopadhyay further claimed in the letter that even after the change of government, he has been receiving threat calls from individuals allegedly involved in the school job scam. He has also sought security for his family members.
This comes amid heightened scrutiny of the recruitment irregularities that have dogged West Bengal's education sector for years. The CBI has been investigating multiple layers of the scam, involving illegal appointments of teachers and non-teaching staff across the state's school system.
What happens next
If the CBI accepts Gangopadhyay's plea and a court grants him approver status, his testimony could become admissible as prosecution evidence — potentially implicating senior political figures. The probe agency is yet to officially comment on the letter. Legal observers note that an approver's testimony, while powerful, must be corroborated by independent evidence to hold weight in court.
Point of View
The real question is whether the evidence trail reaches beyond mid-level operatives to the top political beneficiaries. Bengal's recruitment scams have generated headlines for years, but convictions remain conspicuously absent.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Santu Gangopadhyay in the Bengal school job scam?
Santu Gangopadhyay is a Kolkata-based businessman named in the CBI's chargesheet for the fraudulent recruitment of primary teachers in West Bengal's state-run schools. He was arrested earlier in the case and is currently out on bail. He was known as a close confidant of former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee.
What is an approver in a criminal case?
An approver is an accused person who, with court permission, agrees to testify for the prosecution in exchange for a potential pardon. Their testimony can serve as key evidence but must be corroborated by independent material to secure a conviction.
What allegations has Gangopadhyay made in his letter to the CBI?
According to sources, Gangopadhyay alleged that he and co-accused Kuntal Ghosh delivered money to a top TMC leader and faced reprimand for failing to meet a ₹5 crore collection target from candidates seeking teaching jobs.
Why did Gangopadhyay not come forward earlier?
Gangopadhyay reportedly claimed he was compelled to remain silent due to life threats during the previous TMC government. He said the change of government in West Bengal gave him the confidence to approach the CBI.
What is the current status of Partha Chatterjee in the school job scam?
Former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee was jailed for more than three years for his involvement in the school job scam. He is currently out on bail.
