Is CBI Ready to Unveil New Charges in Bengal's Municipal Recruitment Scandal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The CBI is preparing a fresh charge sheet in a municipal recruitment case.
- Several relatives of political leaders allegedly secured jobs through corruption.
- Ayan Sil, a businessman, was arrested for his involvement in the scam.
- Agents reportedly charged Rs 50,000 for job placements.
- The investigation has significant implications for the political climate in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Oct 8 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is gearing up to submit a new charge sheet in the ongoing municipal recruitment investigation in West Bengal, after reports surfaced that several relatives of leaders from the ruling Trinamool Congress secured jobs unlawfully.
CBI insiders reveal that a politically connected individual’s son is also implicated and has been interrogated during the probe into the recruitment scandal, although his identity remains undisclosed.
Given these developments, the CBI has initiated the procedures for filing a fresh charge sheet concerning the municipal recruitment scandal, with these findings expected to be highlighted.
Earlier in 2023, the CBI made its first arrest in this case, detaining businessman Ayan Sil while investigating a school recruitment fraud. During a raid at his office in Salt Lake, multiple answer sheets, known as OMR sheets, were unearthed, revealing evidence of corruption in the municipal recruitment process. Sil’s firm was responsible for producing OMR sheets for the municipal recruitment.
Furthermore, Ayan Sil was also apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate concerning this recruitment case.
Last year, the CBI submitted its initial charge sheet, detailing financial dealings related to the recruitment fraud.
It elaborated on how individuals secured jobs through dishonest methods.
The CBI's charge sheet asserted that numerous candidates obtained jobs via Sil's two agents, who charged an average commission of Rs 50,000 from each candidate. Jobs were procured in 16 municipalities, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). Notably, an agent named Shamik Chowdhury was mentioned.
The investigative agency alleged that Chowdhury, a friend and associate of Sil, facilitated employment for 10-12 candidates across multiple municipalities. Another agent, Debesh Chakraborty, also known as Kanuda, was involved, with at least 14 job seekers reportedly hired in exchange for funds. Sources indicate that Sil's agents collected Rs 50,000 from each job seeker, and the list of recruits includes family members of political figures.