Did the ED Seize Property Worth Rs 27.19 Crore in School Job Scandal?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has taken significant action by seizing properties valued at Rs 27.19 crore in a high-profile school job scam in West Bengal. This development highlights ongoing investigations into corruption in education recruitment, raising questions about the integrity of hiring practices in the state.
Key Takeaways
- ED seizes Rs 27.19 crore in school job recruitment scam.
- Properties linked to Prasanna Kumar Roy, a key middleman.
- Investigation reveals unfair hiring practices.
- Total attachments in recruitment scams now exceed Rs 636.88 crore.
- Need for reform in recruitment processes in the education sector.
Kolkata, June 24 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) from its Kolkata Zonal Office has provisionally attached assets totaling Rs 27.19 crore linked to a significant cash-for-school job scandal in West Bengal, as reported by an official on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the central agency explained that this property attachment pertains specifically to the irregularities concerning the recruitment of non-teaching personnel in both Group-C and Group-D categories.
“The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office has provisionally seized movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 27.19 crore in connection with the West Bengal Central SSC (Group C and D staff) Recruitment Scam. This action concerns three tea estates owned by Prasanna Kumar Roy, namely M/s Samsing Organic Tea Private Limited, M/s Yangtong Organic Tea Private Limited, and M/s Bamandanga Tea Estate Private Limited. The seized assets include bungalows, factories, plants and machinery, as well as vehicles. These properties were acquired using funds collected from various unqualified candidates for their unlawful appointments to Group-C and D staff positions,” the ED specified in its statement.
The ED further revealed that during its investigation into two FIRs filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under different sections of the IPC, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, it was found that numerous unqualified, non-listed, and lower-ranked individuals were appointed as non-teaching staff in Group-C and Group-D positions, thus depriving deserving candidates of their rightful opportunities.
Charges in this case include unfair hiring practices, criminal conspiracy by multiple individuals, and violations of existing regulations.
“Previously, the ED had seized properties worth Rs 219.91 crore in relation to this Group C and D staff Recruitment Scam in West Bengal, leading to the arrest of Prasanna Kumar Roy (the key middleman responsible for collecting money and information from candidates) and Chandan Mondal (the principal agent of Prasanna Kumar Roy), both of whom are currently in judicial custody,” the ED added on Tuesday.
In a related investigation concerning the recruitment scam for secondary and higher secondary teachers in state-run schools, the ED has already attached properties worth Rs 238.78 crore.
“Moreover, in a different case involving the recruitment of primary teachers in West Bengal, the ED has seized properties worth Rs 151 crore. Consequently, the total value of assets attached by the ED in various recruitment scam cases now amounts to Rs 636.88 crore,” the statement concluded.
Point of View
I observe a troubling pattern of corruption impacting the educational landscape in West Bengal. The ED's actions underscore the need for transparency and fairness in recruitment processes, which are crucial for ensuring that deserving candidates receive opportunities based on merit, not manipulation.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED to seize properties in West Bengal?
The ED seized properties linked to a cash-for-school job scam involving irregularities in the recruitment process for non-teaching staff in Group-C and Group-D categories.
How much property has the ED attached in this case?
The ED has attached property worth Rs 27.19 crore in connection with the school job scam.
Who are the main individuals involved in this scandal?
The key figures in this case include Prasanna Kumar Roy and Chandan Mondal, both of whom have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody.
What are the total assets seized by the ED in related cases?
The total value of assets attached by the ED in various recruitment scam cases has reached Rs 636.88 crore.
What are the implications of these actions for education recruitment in West Bengal?
These actions highlight the critical need for reform and transparency in recruitment processes to prevent corruption and ensure opportunities for deserving candidates.
