Sujit Bose moves Calcutta HC against ED arrest in municipalities scam
Synopsis
A former West Bengal minister arrested by the ED over alleged cash-for-jobs in a municipal recruitment scam has challenged his custody in the Calcutta High Court — with a money trail that includes ₹1.1 crore flowing into a restaurant that was shut during Covid lockdown. The hearing on 29 May could be a critical early test of the ED's case.
Key Takeaways
Former West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose was arrested by the ED on 11 May 2025 in the municipalities recruitment scam.
He moved the Calcutta High Court on 28 May challenging the arrest; first hearing scheduled for 29 May before Justice Shampa Dutta Paul .
The ED alleges Bose recommended 150 ineligible candidates for posts in South Dum Dum Municipality in exchange for cash.
Investigators allege ₹1.1 crore was deposited into Bose's restaurant account and ₹2.2 crore into his personal account during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 .
Bose, a three-time TMC MLA from Bidhannagar , lost his seat in the 4 May 2025 Assembly election results.
Former West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose on Thursday, 28 May approached a single-judge vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the multi-crore municipalities recruitment scam. The petition was admitted, with the first hearing scheduled for Friday, 29 May before Justice Shampa Dutta Paul.
Background to the Arrest
Bose, a three-time All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator from the Bidhannagar Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district, was arrested by ED officials on the night of 11 May following a marathon interrogation of approximately 10 hours. The arrest came seven days after the West Bengal Assembly election results were declared on 4 May, in which Bose lost his seat.
The ED had summoned Bose multiple times ahead of the elections, but he reportedly avoided appearing before the agency, citing his election campaign commitments. After the results were declared, he appeared twice before the ED and was arrested following his second appearance. He is currently in ED custody.
Key Allegations Against Bose
The central allegation against Bose is that he recommended as many as 150 ineligible candidates for recruitment to various posts in the South Dum Dum Municipality in North 24 Parganas in exchange for cash, according to ED investigators. The agency has alleged he earned substantial sums through this arrangement.
Prior to the arrest, ED officials conducted raids and search operations at Bose's offices and residence. Investigators also examined bank accounts belonging to Bose and his family members, reportedly tracing allegedly fictitious transactions.
The Restaurant Money Trail
In a notable development, ED officials alleged before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Kolkata that a restaurant owned by Bose recorded crores of rupees in earnings during the Covid-19 lockdown period in 2020 — when the outlet was completely shut. According to ED counsel, ₹1.1 crore was transferred to the restaurant's account during the lockdown, while a further ₹2.2 crore was transferred to Bose's personal account.
What Happens Next
The Calcutta High Court vacation bench will hear the petition challenging the arrest on 29 May. The outcome of the hearing could determine whether Bose secures relief from custody or remains under ED detention as the money laundering investigation proceeds. The municipalities recruitment scam is part of a wider pattern of post-poll ED action in West Bengal, with multiple former officials and functionaries facing scrutiny.
Point of View
Raising questions about whether the agency's enforcement calendar is shaped by electoral cycles. The restaurant money trail during a complete Covid shutdown is the most forensically striking element of the case; if substantiated, it would be difficult to explain away as routine accounting. What the Calcutta High Court decides on jurisdiction and custody at the 29 May hearing will signal how much legal cover TMC-affiliated accused can expect from the judiciary as the scam widens. The broader municipalities recruitment scandal has already ensnared multiple functionaries, and Bose's case is unlikely to be the last arrest.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sujit Bose arrested by the ED?
Sujit Bose was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on 11 May 2025 in connection with the West Bengal municipalities recruitment scam. The ED alleges he accepted cash in exchange for recommending approximately 150 ineligible candidates for posts in the South Dum Dum Municipality.
What is the Calcutta High Court hearing about?
The Calcutta High Court will hear a petition filed by Bose challenging the legality of his ED arrest. The first hearing is scheduled for 29 May before Justice Shampa Dutta Paul of the single-judge vacation bench.
What is the restaurant money trail allegation?
The ED has alleged before a PMLA court in Kolkata that a restaurant owned by Bose received ₹1.1 crore in transfers during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, when the outlet was completely closed. A further ₹2.2 crore was allegedly transferred to Bose's personal account during the same period.
What is the municipalities recruitment scam?
The municipalities recruitment scam involves allegations that officials recommended ineligible candidates for government posts in West Bengal's municipal bodies in exchange for cash payments. The ED is investigating it as a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
