ED Calls on Partha Chatterjee and Arpita Mukherjee for SSC Recruitment Scandal Inquiry
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned key figures in the West Bengal SSC recruitment corruption case, including former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and aide Arpita Mukherjee, for questioning post-elections. The investigation continues to uncover significant findings related to their involvement.
Key Takeaways
ED summons Partha Chatterjee and Arpita Mukherjee.
Investigation into SSC recruitment corruption ongoing.
Both individuals previously arrested and granted bail.
Significant cash amounts discovered during the investigation.
Political ramifications for Chatterjee from his party.
Kolkata, March 2 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and his associate Arpita Mukherjee in relation to the ongoing investigation into the teachers' recruitment corruption scandal, as reported by sources within the central agency on Monday.
Both individuals are scheduled to appear for questioning following the state Assembly elections. Partha Chatterjee was apprehended in July 2022 in connection with the West Bengal School Service Commission's recruitment fraud, alongside his close aide, Arpita Mukherjee. While both were granted bail, they remain free from imprisonment.
In addition to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate is probing the SSC recruitment corruption case. Preliminary findings indicate that the names of Partha Chatterjee and Arpita Mukherjee have emerged multiple times throughout the investigative process, prompting the need for their interrogation.
Sources revealed that their statements will also be documented. However, it remains uncertain whether they will be interrogated together or separately.
It is worth noting that the former state education minister was arrested by the ED due to his alleged role in the multi-crore SSC teacher recruitment scandal. On the day of Chatterjee's arrest in 2022, the ED discovered Rs 20 crore in cash at the residence of his close associate, Arpita Mukherjee, who was also arrested in the same investigation. Mukherjee was later granted bail in 2024.
In September of the previous year, the Calcutta High Court approved bail for Partha Chatterjee.
Despite receiving the bail order, Chatterjee was unable to be released at once due to a Supreme Court mandate stating that his release would occur only after the trial court completed the examination of essential witnesses within a two-month timeframe. He was ultimately released from judicial custody on November 11, 2025.
Following his arrest by ED officials in 2022, the Trinamool Congress revoked all of Chatterjee's ministerial and organizational roles and indefinitely suspended his party membership. The party also eliminated the position of Secretary General, which was formerly held by Chatterjee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges are Partha Chatterjee and Arpita Mukherjee facing?
They are under investigation for their alleged involvement in a corruption scandal related to teacher recruitment in West Bengal.
When will they be questioned by the ED?
They are scheduled to be questioned after the state Assembly elections.
What was discovered during the investigation?
The ED found Rs 20 crore in cash at Arpita Mukherjee's residence during the initial stages of the investigation.
Have they been granted bail?
Yes, both Partha Chatterjee and Arpita Mukherjee have been granted bail but remain under investigation.
What political consequences has Chatterjee faced?
Following his arrest, the Trinamool Congress stripped him of all ministerial roles and suspended his party membership indefinitely.
