Did CBI Finally Unveil All Accused in Bengal Primary Teachers' Recruitment Scandal?
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Synopsis
The CBI's latest chargesheet unveils key figures in the Bengal primary teachers' recruitment scandal. With three new accused, including a legislator and a middleman, the investigation sheds light on serious irregularities. What will be the implications for West Bengal's education sector?
Key Takeaways
- Manik Bhattacharya is a legislator and former WBBPE president.
- Ratna Bagchi was an employee of WBBPE.
- Bivas Adhikari acted as a middleman in the recruitment process.
- The CBI's chargesheet marks the culmination of a lengthy investigation.
- Former education minister Partha Chatterjee is also implicated in related cases.
Kolkata, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially submitted its conclusive chargesheet regarding the irregularities in the recruitment process of primary teachers for West Bengal's government schools, adding three additional individuals as accused.
This marks the fifth supplementary chargesheet from the CBI in this ongoing investigation, with sources indicating that this is indeed the final document.
Among the newly named accused is Manik Bhattacharya, a Trinamool Congress legislator representing the Nakashipara Assembly constituency in Nadia district. He previously held the position of president of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE).
The second individual mentioned is Ratna Bagchi, a former employee of WBBPE, while Bhattacharya was in charge of the Board.
The third name listed is Bivas Adhikari, identified by the CBI as a key middleman in the recruitment scandal.
According to the CBI's chargesheet, Adhikari was the leader of an association of private Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and Diploma in Elementary Education (DLED) colleges in the Birbhum district. He misused this position to funnel candidates into primary teacher roles within state-run schools, charging substantial fees for the placements.
Both Bhattacharya and Bagchi have previously been questioned by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is simultaneously investigating the case.
Notably, former West Bengal education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee was apprehended by ED officials in July 2022 linked to the primary teachers’ recruitment irregularities. Subsequently, the CBI also charged him in this case.
Simultaneously, Chatterjee faces accusations from both the CBI and ED concerning the recruitment processes for secondary and higher secondary teachers as well as non-teaching staff in Group-C and Group-D categories at state-run schools, overseen by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC).
Point of View
The CBI's final chargesheet in the Bengal primary teachers' recruitment case highlights the pressing need for transparency and accountability in educational institutions. This scandal not only affects the integrity of the recruitment process but also undermines public trust in the state’s governance. The ongoing investigations by both CBI and ED are crucial for restoring faith in the system.
NationPress
03/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CBI's role in the Bengal primary teachers' recruitment case?
The CBI is investigating the irregularities in the recruitment process for primary teachers in West Bengal government schools, aiming to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
Who are the new accused named in the final chargesheet?
The final chargesheet includes three new accused: Manik Bhattacharya, Ratna Bagchi, and Bivas Adhikari, who are linked to the recruitment irregularities.
