Did High-profile Candidates Receive SSC Recruitment Letters During Lockdown?
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Synopsis
A witness revealed in court that during the Covid-19 lockdown, appointment letters were rapidly issued to 'high-profile' candidates in the SSC recruitment scam. This revelation highlights serious allegations of corruption and manipulation within the West Bengal Education Department, involving senior politicians and officials.
Key Takeaways
- High-profile candidates received appointment letters during the lockdown.
- The letters were issued under instructions from senior officials.
- Corruption allegations involve multiple politicians and officials.
- The case has major implications for West Bengal politics.
- Ongoing investigations by CBI and ED.
Kolkata, Oct 27 (NationPress) A witness in the extensive School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment fraud testified on Monday before a specialized CBI court in Alipore that appointment letters were swiftly issued to certain “high-profile” individuals amidst the Covid-19 lockdown.
During his testimony, Rajesh Layek, a former technical officer within the state Education Department, revealed that numerous applications were classified as “high-profile cases”, leading to the premature issuance of appointment letters. He stated that these letters were generated during the lockdown based on directives from senior officials.
Former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, currently in judicial custody and receiving treatment in a hospital, participated in the proceedings virtually. Arrested former officials Ashok Kumar Saha, Subiresh Bhattacharya, and Kalyanmoy Gangopadhyay also joined the hearing online from the Presidency Correctional Home.
Layek, a pivotal witness for the CBI in the case, disclosed that he was instructed to prepare the appointment letters by his superiors. He noted that former high-ranking officials of the Education Department, including Shanti Prasad Sinha and Kalyanmoy Gangopadhyay, summoned him to their offices and ordered the issuance of the letters.
The witness further informed the court that an RTI inquiry during that period uncovered inflated marks for several candidates, with orders specifically targeting those whose scores had been raised.
The suspected SSC recruitment scam has significantly influenced West Bengal politics for nearly three years, with central agencies implicating senior politicians, officials, and intermediaries in orchestrating a large-scale scheme to unlawfully appoint teachers in exchange for bribes and manipulation of OMR sheets. Partha Chatterjee, TMC MLA Jiban Krishna Saha, and numerous officials are among those detained, while both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are concurrently conducting investigations.
Point of View
I recognize the gravity of the allegations surrounding the SSC recruitment scam. The testimony provided by the witness not only unveils a potential breach of trust but also raises questions about the integrity of the recruitment process in West Bengal. It is crucial that these claims are thoroughly investigated to uphold the standards of our educational institutions.
NationPress
28/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SSC recruitment scam involve?
The SSC recruitment scam involves the illegal appointment of teachers in West Bengal, with allegations of bribery and manipulation of examination processes.
Who are the key figures involved in the scam?
Key figures include former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and several officials from the Education Department.
What did the witness reveal in court?
The witness testified that appointment letters were issued to high-profile candidates during the Covid-19 lockdown based on directives from senior officials.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The CBI and Enforcement Directorate are conducting parallel investigations into the allegations surrounding the SSC recruitment scam.
How has the scam affected West Bengal politics?
The SSC recruitment scam has significantly impacted West Bengal politics, drawing attention to corruption and mismanagement within the education sector.
