Bengal School Job Scandal: CBI Uncovers Partha's Role in Candidate Selection
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Synopsis
Recent revelations from the CBI's investigation into the cash-for-school job scandal in West Bengal implicate former education minister Partha Chatterjee in candidate selection. Evidence suggests he played a direct role in shortlisting candidates recommended by influential individuals.
Key Takeaways
- CBI investigation highlights Chatterjee's involvement.
- List of 324 candidates identified.
- Handwritten notes confirm his role.
- Chatterjee was arrested in July 2022.
- Safety concerns raised by BJP MP Mahato.
Kolkata, Feb 15 (NationPress) Recent developments from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the cash-for-school job scandal in West Bengal indicate significant issues for former state education minister Partha Chatterjee.
The investigative team has uncovered new evidence about Chatterjee's involvement in personally selecting candidates who were recommended by influential figures for hiring.
CBI agents have retrieved a list of 324 candidates from the state education department's headquarters in Salt Lake, which includes names suggested by prominent individuals, including current and former MPs and MLAs from the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Sources closely following the investigation revealed that further inquiries into this list revealed it was sent to Chatterjee, who took it upon himself to shortlist candidates and instructed his staff to follow through.
Moreover, some handwritten notes accompanying the list have further corroborated Chatterjee's involvement in the candidate selection process.
Officials have also reported attempts to erase certain handwritten annotations from these documents.
Initially detained in July 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a separate investigation into the school job case, the CBI later arrested Chatterjee as well.
Currently, he is receiving treatment at a private facility in Kolkata due to a reported decline in his health.
Recently, the hospital authorities informed a special court in Kolkata that Chatterjee's condition has improved, and he is expected to be discharged soon.
Earlier this week, BJP MP from Purulia, Jyotirmay Singh Mahato, reached out to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, urging measures to ensure Chatterjee's safety amid fears of a potential threat to his life.
He claimed to have received credible intelligence suggesting that as the investigation approaches its conclusion, leaders from the Trinamool Congress may plot to eliminate Chatterjee to prevent him from speaking out.
“Considering the seriousness of this information, I request you to guarantee his safety under any circumstances. Any harm to him would jeopardize the judicial process and prevent the people of West Bengal from uncovering the truth about this scandal,” stated Mahato's letter to the Governor, a copy of which is with IANS.
