Is the ED Planning New Custodial Interrogation of Partha Chatterjee in Two Bengal School-Job Scams?
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Synopsis
In a developing story from Kolkata, the ED is considering a new custodial interrogation of former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee related to serious allegations in the school-job scam. With ongoing investigations, the implications of his involvement could have far-reaching consequences for West Bengal's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- ED officials are considering new interrogation of Partha Chatterjee.
- The investigation focuses on irregularities in school recruitment.
- New evidence has emerged from the arrest of Jiban Krishna Saha.
- Chatterjee's legal battles continue despite receiving bail.
- The case highlights issues of political accountability in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Sep 5 (IANA) Officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigating the multi-crore cash-for-school-job scandal in West Bengal are contemplating a fresh custodial interrogation of former Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee concerning at least two cases linked to the alleged school-job fraud.
According to sources familiar with the situation, one of these cases pertains to the irregularities in the hiring of non-teaching staff for Group C and Group D positions, while the second case involves the recruitment of secondary and higher secondary teachers in state-operated schools. All recruitments for these positions are managed by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC).
Last week, the ED apprehended Jiban Krishna Saha, a Trinamool Congress legislator from the Burwan Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district, in connection with the school-job scandal.
Sources indicated that insights gained from Saha's interrogation, along with documents confiscated from his home, have provided investigators with additional leads regarding Chatterjee's involvement in the WBSSC recruitment case, necessitating a new round of custodial questioning.
The ED is expected to soon approach a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata to seek permission for this fresh interrogation. Chatterjee has been granted bail by various courts in nearly all cases filed against him by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning the alleged WBSSC recruitment fraud.
Earlier this week, a special CBI court in Kolkata approved Chatterjee's bail in two cases initiated by the CBI regarding the alleged WBSSC recruitment scandal.
However, despite receiving bail in these two cases, Chatterjee remained in judicial custody due to separate allegations involving irregularities in the recruitment of primary teachers by the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE).
Chatterjee has been imprisoned since his arrest by ED officials in July 2022.
Subsequently, the CBI also arrested him in this matter, complicating his release from prison further.
Point of View
The unfolding events surrounding the alleged school-job scam in West Bengal reflect deeper issues within political accountability and governance. The potential for further inquiries into Partha Chatterjee's involvement indicates a critical moment for transparency in public service recruitment processes. As the nation watches, it's essential to uphold the principles of justice and integrity in our institutions.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the ED interrogating Partha Chatterjee?
The ED is interrogating Partha Chatterjee in connection with the alleged multi-crore cash-for-school-job scam, focusing on irregularities in the recruitment processes overseen by the West Bengal School Service Commission.
What new evidence has emerged in the case?
Recent interrogations of other individuals involved and documents seized have provided additional leads regarding Chatterjee's involvement in the recruitment irregularities.
What is the current status of Chatterjee's legal proceedings?
Chatterjee has been granted bail in several cases, but remains in judicial custody due to separate allegations related to the recruitment of primary teachers.
