Kolkata, Nov 11 (NationPress) Former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee was released from judicial custody on Tuesday, marking the end of more than three years since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment corruption scandal.

Chatterjee had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in the Mukundapur area due to various health issues. His release occurred in the afternoon after the Special CBI Court issued the release order along with the necessary bail bond documents.

Upon his release, the former minister was visibly emotional, needing a wheelchair for assistance as he was escorted to his vehicle.

A large group of Chatterjee's supporters gathered outside the hospital to celebrate his freedom, chanting slogans in his favor as his vehicle departed.

Some of his followers were moved to tears, overwhelmed by the news.

After leaving the hospital, Chatterjee returned to his residence in the Naktala area of South Kolkata.

The order for his release was issued by the Special CBI Court judge on Monday, allowing Chatterjee to participate virtually in the court proceedings from his hospital bed.

Chatterjee's time in custody totaled three years, three months, and 18 days, during which he was primarily hospitalized for medical reasons.

Arrested by the ED in July 2022, Chatterjee faced allegations linked to the massive SSC teacher recruitment scam. On the day of his arrest, authorities discovered Rs 20 crore in cash at the residence of his close associate, Arpita Mukherjee, who was also detained.

The investigating agency confiscated crucial documents concerning 12 properties tied to his associates, alongside paperwork related to Group-D staff appointments in schools.

This September, the Calcutta High Court granted bail to Chatterjee, who had been in custody under the ED and then the CBI before transitioning to judicial custody over these years.

However, his immediate release was delayed due to a directive from the Supreme Court, which stipulated that he could only be freed once the trial court had completed the examination of key witnesses within two months.

The apex court mandated that charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act be framed within four weeks and that witness statements be recorded within two months.

The Supreme Court also instructed that the final bail should be granted by the conclusion of the first phase of testimonies by November 14.

Consequently, the CBI Special Court initiated the trial process by framing charges in this case, selecting eight witnesses for the first phase. The eighth witness concluded their testimony on Monday, after which the court issued Chatterjee's release order.