CBI to Interrogate Key Figures in Bengal School Job Scandal Linked to Partha
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Synopsis
The CBI is intensifying its investigation into the cash-for-school-job scandal in West Bengal by questioning influential individuals who recommended ineligible candidates to former education minister Partha Chatterjee. This follows revelations of direct communications and illicit activities tied to school job placements.
Key Takeaways
- CBI to question influential individuals.
- Focus on direct recommendations to Chatterjee.
- 132 people identified for job recommendations.
- Confidentiality maintained until summons issued.
- Chatterjee linked to personal selection of candidates.
Kolkata, March 6 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials investigating the cash-for-school-job scandal in West Bengal are set to interrogate several influential individuals who made direct recommendations for ineligible candidates to the former state education minister Partha Chatterjee.
The CBI has gathered concrete evidence regarding these influential figures who recommended candidates that were allegedly paying for school jobs to Chatterjee, who was a prominent member of the Trinamool Congress.
According to sources, investigative officers have compiled a list of 132 individuals who made job recommendations at various levels.
However, the authorities are focusing on those who had direct access to Partha Chatterjee, making recommendations to him personally.
The selection process of these individuals has been based on their communications with Chatterjee, which include written recommendations as well as messages sent via WhatsApp and SMS.
Details regarding the shortlisted names remain confidential until the procedure is finalized and summons are dispatched for questioning.
Investigators have emphasized that the statements from these individuals will be vital in strengthening the case against Chatterjee.
The CBI has also obtained specific insights indicating that Chatterjee personally selected ineligible candidates who paid for school job placements.
This personal selection was reportedly more prevalent during the hiring process for primary teachers compared to secondary and higher secondary teachers.
Recently, the CBI submitted a report to the Calcutta High Court detailing candidates who gained appointments despite submitting blank answer sheets during the recruitment exam.
The report elucidated how the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets used in the exam were manipulated for the benefit of these candidates.
Chatterjee, who was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the school job scandal in July 2022, has been identified as the mastermind behind the scam in the charge sheet filed by the central agency.
Additionally, his close associate Arpita Mukherjee and his son-in-law are also named as co-accused in the ED charge sheet.
A trust named Babli Chatterjee Memorial Trust, established in memory of Chatterjee's late wife, is included in the ED charge sheet as an implicated entity.
It is alleged that the illicit funds were falsely reported as donations to this trust, thereby diverting the proceeds.
