What led to the release of former Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee?
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Synopsis
After over three years in custody, former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee is set to be released. His involvement in a major recruitment scam has kept him behind bars. Stay tuned to explore the details surrounding his release and the implications it holds for the ongoing investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Partha Chatterjee was released from judicial custody after over three years.
- The release order came from a special CBI court.
- He was arrested for his alleged role in the SSC recruitment scam.
- Chatterjee attended the court hearing virtually due to health issues.
- Witness testimonies are ongoing in the related trial.
Kolkata, Nov 10 (NationPress) Partha Chatterjee, the former Education Minister of West Bengal, has been released from judicial custody as of Monday.
The special CBI court judge issued the release order for Chatterjee from the Presidency Correctional Home.
Once the court documentation is received by the Chief Judicial Officer, there should be no further hindrances to his release.
Currently receiving treatment for various health issues at a Kolkata hospital, Chatterjee attended the court hearing virtually on Monday.
He was visibly relieved and smiling upon hearing the court's decision to release him from custody.
However, the formalities for his release are expected to be finalized by Tuesday.
If this occurs, Chatterjee will be returning home after spending three years, three months, and 18 days in the custody of various Central investigative agencies.
The former minister was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in July 2022 due to his alleged involvement in the multi-crore SSC teacher recruitment scandal.
On the day of his arrest, the ED discovered Rs 20 crore in cash from the residence of his close associate, Arpita Mukherjee, who was also taken into custody.
The central agency also confiscated crucial documents tied to 12 immovable properties associated with his close associates and paperwork connected to the recruitment of Group-D staff in educational institutions.
Since his arrest, Chatterjee has been held in custody by the ED, CBI, and at times received medical care in a hospital.
In September this year, the Calcutta High Court granted him bail after he had been in ED custody and subsequently in CBI custody before entering judicial custody over the past three years.
Despite the bail order, immediate release was not possible due to a directive from the Supreme Court issued on August 18.
A division bench consisting of Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh provided bail in a separate CBI case regarding irregularities in school appointments but mandated that Chatterjee's release should wait until the trial court finishes examining material witnesses within two months.
The apex court also instructed that charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act be established within four weeks, with witness testimonies to be recorded within two months.
Final bail was to be granted only after the initial phase of witness testimonies was completed by November 14.
Following this, the CBI Special Court Judge initiated the trial process by formulating charges in the case.
The lower court decided to take testimonies from eight individuals in the first phase, with their names proposed by the CBI.
The testimony of the eighth witness concluded on Monday.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach the ongoing saga of Partha Chatterjee with neutrality. His release from judicial custody raises questions about accountability in public service and the efficacy of ongoing investigations into corruption. It is a reminder of the importance of due process and the rule of law in our democracy.
NationPress
12/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Partha Chatterjee arrested?
Partha Chatterjee was arrested for his alleged involvement in a multi-crore teacher recruitment scam linked to the SSC in West Bengal.
How long did Chatterjee spend in custody?
He spent a total of three years, three months, and 18 days in custody of various Central investigative agencies.
What was discovered at Arpita Mukherjee's residence?
The Enforcement Directorate found Rs 20 crore in cash at the house of Arpita Mukherjee, a close associate of Chatterjee.
What was the Supreme Court's directive regarding Chatterjee's release?
The Supreme Court mandated that the trial court complete witness examinations before Chatterjee could be released, along with other stipulations.
What is the current status of the trial?
The trial is ongoing, with the CBI Special Court Judge having framed charges and begun taking witness testimonies.
