Bengal School Job Scam: ED, CBI Seize Assets Worth Rs 161 Crore
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have intensified their probe into the alleged Bengal School Job Scam, leading to the seizure of assets worth approximately Rs 161 crore so far. The investigation, which began in 2021, centers around allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of teachers and other staff in West Bengal schools. The ED has registered a money laundering case linked to the scam, while the CBI is investigating the abuse of power and irregularities in the recruitment process. As part of their probe, the agencies have conducted raids and searches at multiple locations associated with former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested in connection with the case. They have also questioned several other individuals, including former West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) president Kalyanmoy Ganguly and former WBBSE secretary Anirban Chatterjee. The ED has seized assets belonging to Chatterjee, including a residential property in Kolkata, a farmhouse in Haldia, and multiple bank accounts. The agency has also seized several companies and properties owned by entities alleged to be linked to him. The CBI, on the other hand, has seized documents and electronic devices from the offices of WBBSE and other government agencies involved in the recruitment process. They have also identified and frozen bank accounts suspected of being used for illegal transactions. The ongoing investigation has resulted in the arrests of several high-profile individuals, including Chatterjee, Ganguly, and former West Bengal Primary Education Board chairman Manik Bhattacharya. The agencies are continuing their probe to unravel the full extent of the scam and bring all the perpetrators to justice. The seizure of assets worth Rs 161 crore signals the seriousness with which the ED and CBI are pursuing this case. It also serves as a strong warning against corruption and misuse of office. The investigation is expected to continue, with further arrests and seizures possible in the coming months.Calcutta High Court Update on Cash-for-School-Jobs Case
Calcutta High Court Update on Cash-for-School-Jobs Case
In the ongoing investigation into the West Bengal cash-for-school-jobs scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have seized assets and properties worth a combined total of Rs. 161 crore, according to an update provided to the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday.
Asset Seizure Details:
* ED: Rs. 148 crore * CBI: Rs. 13 crore
Corporate Entity Link:
Approximately Rs. 7 crore of the seized assets belong to a corporate entity allegedly involved in both the school jobs case and the West Bengal coal smuggling case.
Source of Funds Investigation:
A sealed CBI report submitted to the court revealed efforts to trace the source of funds used to purchase assets linked to the corporate entity.
Lax Investigation Concerns:
Justice Amrita Sinha expressed concerns over the lack of progress in the voice sampling test of the accused, Sujay Krishna Bhadra. She also criticized the central agencies for a perceived lack of diligence in conducting the investigation.
State Government Report Delay:
The state government was ordered to submit its own report on the case by July 30, as it had not yet been received by the court.
Next Hearing:
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 30, 2023.
ED, CBI Seize Assets Worth Over Rs 161 Crore in Bengal School Job Scam Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have seized assets worth over Rs 161 crore in connection with the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scam. The investigation agencies have attached immovable properties, including flats, land, and buildings, belonging to former SSC chairman Subires Bhattacharya, his wife, and other accused. The seized assets also include bank balances and financial instruments. The scam involves alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers and other staff in government-aided schools in West Bengal. Bhattacharya and other officials are accused of demanding bribes in exchange for jobs. The ED has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), while the CBI is investigating the criminal conspiracy and corruption charges. The investigation is ongoing, and further seizures are expected. The ED has also summoned several accused persons for questioning and is examining financial transactions and bank accounts related to the scam. The CBI has arrested multiple suspects, including Bhattacharya and his close associates. The seizure of assets worth over Rs 161 crore is a significant development in the investigation and demonstrates the agencies’ commitment to combating corruption and recovering ill-gotten gains.
