Calcutta High Court Approves Bail for Ex-WBSSC Advisor in School Jobs Fraud
Synopsis
In a pivotal ruling, the Calcutta High Court has granted conditional bail to Santi Prasad Sinha, a former advisor with the WBSSC, linked to a major cash-for-school jobs scandal, paving the way for his release after nearly four years of custody.
Key Takeaways
Conditional bail granted to Santi Prasad Sinha by the Calcutta High Court.
Involved in a major cash-for-school jobs scam impacting West Bengal's education sector.
Conditions of bail include restrictions on travel and communication with witnesses.
Sinha has been in custody for nearly four years .
The trial court has been directed to speed up proceedings in the case.
Kolkata, Feb 27 (NationPress) In a significant development, a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court has approved conditional bail for former advisor to the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), Santi Prasad Sinha, concerning his alleged role in the extensive cash-for-school jobs scandal in the state.
The bail was granted in response to a case filed against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Previously, he had also been granted bail in a related case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Despite securing bail from the CBI, Sinha remained incarcerated as the ED's case was still under review. However, the recent ruling from the High Court has cleared the path for his release.
Sinha has been detained for nearly four years, having been arrested by the CBI on August 10, 2022, shortly after the ED took into custody former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee in July 2022, also in connection with this high-profile case.
While granting the bail, Justice Jay Sengupta of the single-judge bench set forth several stipulations.
One key condition mandates that Sinha must not leave the jurisdiction of the police station covering his residence without obtaining prior approval.
In addition, he is required to surrender his passport to the authorities and provide two contact numbers to both the court and investigating officers, ensuring that he remains accessible at all times via those numbers.
The court also instructed Sinha to refrain from contacting any witnesses associated with the case or attempting to influence them in any manner.
Justice Sengupta noted that Sinha's bail would be subject to immediate cancellation if he makes any attempt to tamper with evidence.
Furthermore, the bench has directed the trial court to expedite the proceedings in this matter.
Point of View
It is essential to present the facts surrounding Santi Prasad Sinha's bail in a clear and unbiased manner. This case reflects significant issues within the educational sector in West Bengal and raises questions about accountability and transparency in public service recruitment. Our focus remains on delivering accurate information as the trial progresses.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cash-for-school jobs scam?
The cash-for-school jobs scam involves allegations of bribery and corruption related to the recruitment of teachers in West Bengal schools, significantly impacting educational integrity.
Who is Santi Prasad Sinha?
Santi Prasad Sinha is a former advisor to the West Bengal School Service Commission, implicated in the cash-for-school jobs scandal.
What conditions were set for Sinha's bail?
Sinha's bail includes restrictions on leaving his jurisdiction without permission, surrendering his passport, and maintaining contact with authorities.
How long has Sinha been in custody?
Sinha has been in custody for almost four years since his arrest by the CBI on August 10, 2022.
What will happen next in the case?
The trial court has been instructed to expedite the trial process, ensuring that the case progresses swiftly.
