Key Witness Statements Vital for CBI in Bengal School Job Scam
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Synopsis
The CBI is concentrating on two key witnesses' statements in the West Bengal cash-for-school job scandal to reinforce its case against influential political figures involved in the scam. These testimonies are pivotal for the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- Witnesses' statements are crucial for CBI.
- Audio evidence connects suspects to the scam.
- Bhadra's movements are heavily restricted.
- ED is conducting a parallel investigation.
- Trial proceedings are already underway.
Kolkata, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is placing significant emphasis on the testimonies of two witnesses in the high-profile cash-for-school job scandal in West Bengal, aiming to construct a robust case against several prominent political figures reportedly benefiting from the scheme.
According to sources, these two witnesses, mentioned in the charge sheet submitted by the CBI at a special court in Kolkata earlier this month, provided vital information regarding an audio recording retrieved from a laptop involved in the investigation.
The audio clip features a primary suspect in the case, Sujay Krishna Bhadra, engaging in mobile phone discussions with three politically connected individuals in the state concerning school employment opportunities.
Furthermore, two of these politically influential individuals have already been identified as accused in the charge sheets filed by both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a concurrent inquiry into the financial misconduct related to the school job case.
Both witnesses were noted to be close associates of Bhadra at the company where he served as the chief operating officer. One witness even confessed to the CBI investigators that he recorded conversations of influential figures with Bhadra at the latter's request and stored those recordings on a laptop.
The CBI has sent one such audio recording, recovered from the laptop, for further analysis to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL). Additionally, voice samples from Bhadra, collected earlier this month, have also been forwarded to the CFSL.
Bhadra is currently out on bail for medical treatment as per a recent ruling by the Calcutta High Court. However, he faces strict limitations on his movement within the city and is prohibited from meeting any politicians.
He is under continuous surveillance by CBI officials and personnel from the Central Armed Forces.
The trial process for the case registered by the ED concerning the alleged school job scam is now underway at a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata.
