Will the Cash-for-Job Case Lead to West Bengal Minister's Custody?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As the cash-for-job case unfolds, all eyes are on the PMLA court's upcoming verdict regarding Minister Chandranath Sinha's custody. With serious allegations at play, this case could reshape political dynamics in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Decision on Minister's Custody reserved until September 23.
- ED's Allegations include Rs 12.73 crore in fictitious transactions.
- Minister's compliance with investigation noted.
- Interim bail granted under specific conditions.
- Financial irregularities detailed in ED's charge sheet.
Kolkata, Sep 20 (NationPress) A PMLA court in Kolkata has reserved its decision on the Enforcement Directorate's request for the custodial interrogation of West Bengal Minister Chandranath Sinha related to the multi-crore cash-for-school-jobs scam until September 23.
The verdict will clarify whether the ED's request for custody of Sinha, who serves as the West Bengal Correction Services and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles Minister, will be approved or if his current interim bail will be extended.
On Saturday, the ED's attorney requested a seven-day custody for the minister, presenting arguments supporting the charges laid out by the central investigative agency.
The primary allegations include purported fictitious financial transactions amounting to Rs 12.73 crore linked to bank accounts belonging to Sinha and his family, his failure to explain the origins of substantial cash deposits to his bank account, and discrepancies in his income tax declarations, as detailed in the ED's sixth supplementary charge sheet submitted earlier this month.
Sinha's attorney argued that the minister has been compliant with the investigation and should not be taken into ED custody, even under certain conditions.
On September 6, Sinha had surrendered to the same PMLA court in relation to the ED's investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. The court subsequently granted him interim bail upon a personal bond of Rs 10,000, subject to specific conditions.
Earlier this month, the ED filed a sixth supplementary charge sheet to the special court, outlining financial irregularities in the accounts of Sinha and his family.
The document revealed a sequence of substantial cash deposits made into a joint account held by the minister and his wife, Kuntala Sinha, at a public sector bank branch in Kolkata.
According to this charge sheet, a total of Rs 1.18 crore was deposited into their joint account from January 2016 to November 2019, identified as the peak period of the alleged school recruitment scam.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation into the cash-for-job scam sheds light on the need for greater accountability in public service recruitment processes. It is imperative that justice is served swiftly to uphold the public's trust in governance.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cash-for-job scam?
The cash-for-job scam refers to a multi-crore scheme where individuals allegedly paid bribes for securing school jobs in West Bengal.
Who is Chandranath Sinha?
Chandranath Sinha is the West Bengal Minister for Correction Services and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles, currently under investigation by the ED.
What is the Enforcement Directorate's role?
The Enforcement Directorate investigates financial crimes and has filed charges against Sinha related to the cash-for-job scam.
When will the verdict be announced?
The PMLA court is set to announce its verdict on the ED's plea regarding Sinha's custody on September 23.
What are the main allegations against Sinha?
Sinha faces allegations of fictitious financial transactions, unexplained cash deposits, and discrepancies in income tax declarations.
