What Charges Have Been Filed Against 28 in the WBSSC Scam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 28 individuals are facing charges in the WBSSC scam.
- Former minister Partha Chatterjee claims innocence and alleges political revenge.
- The court proceedings highlight serious allegations of recruitment irregularities.
- Chatterjee has been imprisoned for over three and a half years.
- Recent bail grants do not secure his release due to ongoing investigations.
Kolkata, Sep 12 (NationPress) The charge-framing process against 28 defendants in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case linked to the alleged multi-crore West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) scam has concluded at a special CBI court on Friday.
This charge-framing specifically pertains to irregularities in the hiring of non-teaching personnel within the “Group-C” category. A prominent figure among those charged is the former West Bengal education minister and ex-Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee.
It’s important to note that on Thursday, charges were also framed in a separate case registered by the CBI concerning irregularities in the recruitment of secondary and high-secondary teachers.
On Friday, Partha Chatterjee participated in the proceedings via video link. After the judge informed him that the charge-framing was complete, Chatterjee requested the opportunity to speak, asserting his innocence.
“The central investigative agencies are seeking revenge against me. I have social respect, and it is the court's duty to safeguard that,” Chatterjee expressed.
He further elaborated that he had been incarcerated for over three and a half years. “I am a doctor. If this continues, I will lose faith in the judicial system. Please release me. I have never recommended anyone for a job,” Chatterjee appealed.
The judge instructed Chatterjee to present his case during his witnesses' testimony and reminded him of his previous actions in the state education department.
Among those charged, Partha Chatterjee has been in custody the longest due to his involvement in the school-job case.
He was apprehended in July 2022 at his home by officers from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which was also investigating the school job matters. He was later arrested by the CBI.
Recently, he received bail in most cases filed against him by both the CBI and ED concerning the alleged WBSSC scam. However, he remains in judicial custody due to other cases linked to irregularities in the recruitment of primary teachers by the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE).