ED Investigates Kuntal Ghosh and Manish Jain in SSC Recruitment Scandal
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned prominent political figures in a significant corruption case related to SSC teachers' recruitment, intensifying its investigation into the scandal. This latest development raises questions about accountability within the education sector in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
ED summons key political figures in SSC recruitment case.
Manish Jain and Kuntal Ghosh are under investigation.
Partha Chatterjee's involvement highlights systemic corruption.
Ongoing probes may lead to further revelations.
Public accountability in education sector is crucial.
Kolkata, March 11 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has called upon former West Bengal education secretary Manish Jain and expelled Trinamool Congress leader Kuntal Ghosh regarding the ongoing investigation into the SSC teachers’ recruitment corruption scandal, as confirmed by sources within the central agency on Wednesday.
Both individuals are required to report to the ED office in Kolkata next week as part of the extensive investigation.
Previously, the ED had also summoned former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and his associate Arpita Mukherjee for interrogation related to the same scandal.
Ghosh had been arrested earlier by both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning the primary teachers’ recruitment fraud and is currently out on bail.
Manish Jain had faced questioning by the CBI earlier in this case and had cooperated with the agency during the investigations.
Sources indicate that the ED has recently escalated its investigation into the recruitment scams. An ED official has stated that Chatterjee and Mukherjee are scheduled to appear again for questioning on March 16 and March 18 respectively. The agency plans to summon additional individuals associated with the case later this month.
It is noteworthy that Partha Chatterjee was apprehended by the ED in July 2022 due to his alleged role in the multi-crore SSC teachers’ recruitment scam.
On the day of his arrest, ED officials discovered approximately Rs 20 crore in cash at the home of his close aide, Arpita Mukherjee, who was also arrested. Mukherjee was granted bail in 2024.
In September of the previous year, the Calcutta High Court approved bail for Chatterjee. However, his release was delayed due to a Supreme Court directive mandating that he could only be freed after the trial court examined key witnesses within two months.
Chatterjee was ultimately released from judicial custody on November 11 of last year.
Point of View
This case underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency in public service. The involvement of high-profile politicians raises significant concerns about systemic corruption within the education sector, warranting ongoing scrutiny.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been summoned by the ED in the SSC recruitment case?
The ED has summoned former West Bengal education secretary Manish Jain and expelled TMC leader Kuntal Ghosh.
What is the SSC recruitment scandal?
The SSC recruitment scandal involves allegations of corruption and malpractice in the hiring process for teachers in West Bengal.
When was Partha Chatterjee arrested?
Partha Chatterjee was arrested by the ED in July 2022.
What was discovered at Arpita Mukherjee's residence?
Around Rs 20 crore in cash was recovered from the residence of Arpita Mukherjee by ED officials.
When is Kuntal Ghosh expected to appear before the ED?
Kuntal Ghosh has been asked to appear before the ED at its Kolkata office next week.
