What New Developments Arise in the Bengal School Recruitment Case?
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Synopsis
The ED's investigation into West Bengal's school recruitment scandal reveals Rs 12.73 crore in suspicious transactions. As this story unfolds, the involvement of Minister Sinha and his family raises critical questions about corruption in education. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this gripping case.
Key Takeaways
- ED tracks Rs 12.73 crore in suspicious transactions linked to recruitment irregularities.
- Chandranath Sinha under investigation for alleged involvement.
- Interim bail granted with restrictions on movement.
- Large cash deposits identified in bank accounts related to the Minister and family.
- Ongoing implications for West Bengal's education system.
Kolkata, Sep 15 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently investigating a significant cash-for-school-job scandal in West Bengal, uncovering illicit transactions totaling Rs 12.73 crore. These transactions are allegedly tied to irregularities in the hiring of primary teachers in the state, involving the bank accounts of Chandranath Sinha, the Minister responsible for correctional services as well as the micro, small, and medium enterprises and textiles departments, along with his family.
Last week, ED officials submitted details of these dubious transactions in their sixth supplementary charge sheet presented to a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata.
On September 6, Sinha complied with the court's directives, surrendering in connection with the ED's ongoing probe into the alleged misconduct regarding primary school recruitment.
Despite the ED's request for the Minister's custody, the court allowed him interim bail upon a personal bond of Rs 10,000, subject to specific conditions.
The court stipulated that while bail was granted, Sinha would be restricted from leaving his Assembly constituency or Kolkata for the foreseeable future.
Shortly thereafter, the ED filed its sixth supplementary charge sheet, revealing details of the dubious transactions linked to Sinha, his wife, and son.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the ED identified accounts across eight public sector commercial banks and one private sector bank, which are either solely owned by the Minister or jointly held with his wife or son.
The chargesheet highlighted a series of substantial cash deposits made in phases into a joint bank account held by Sinha and his wife, Kuntala Sinha, at a specific Kolkata branch of a public sector bank.
According to the ED's supplementary charge sheet, a total of Rs 1.18 crore was deposited in cash at this account between January 2016 and November 2019, a period identified as the peak of the alleged school job scandal.
When questioned by ED officials, Sinha struggled to provide clear answers regarding the origins of these funds.
The ED first connected Sinha to this case through a diary belonging to a middleman, now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Kuntal Ghosh, who was subsequently arrested by federal authorities.
In March of the previous year, the ED conducted a raid on Sinha's residence in Bolpur, Birbhum district.
During this raid, officials seized Rs 41 lakh in cash and a mobile phone from Sinha's home.
Sinha is known to maintain close ties with Anubrata Mondal, a prominent Trinamool Congress figure and former district president in Birbhum.
Point of View
It is vital to acknowledge the ongoing investigation led by the Enforcement Directorate into the Bengal school recruitment scandal. This situation underscores the pressing need for transparency and accountability in public service, particularly concerning education. The implications of these findings are significant not only for West Bengal but for the entire nation, as they highlight potential systemic issues that could affect citizens' trust in government institutions.
NationPress
31/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bengal school recruitment case about?
The Bengal school recruitment case involves allegations of corruption and irregularities in the hiring of primary teachers in West Bengal, with the Enforcement Directorate investigating suspicious financial transactions.
Who is Chandranath Sinha?
Chandranath Sinha is the Minister in charge of correctional services and micro, small, and medium enterprises in West Bengal, currently under investigation for his alleged involvement in the school recruitment scandal.
What were the findings of the ED related to the case?
The ED discovered illegal transactions amounting to Rs 12.73 crore, allegedly linked to irregularities in primary teacher recruitments, involving accounts held by Sinha and his family.
What actions have been taken against Sinha?
Sinha surrendered to a special court and was granted interim bail, although he is restricted from leaving Kolkata or his Assembly constituency.
What evidence did the ED uncover?
The ED's charge sheet includes details of large cash deposits made into Sinha's bank accounts during the peak period of the recruitment scandal.
