The Supreme Court has asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond to the bail plea of former West Bengal Education Minister and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Partha Chatterjee, who has been embroiled in a cash-for-jobs recruitment scam. This development came after a bench of justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan requested that the ED file its response on Chatterjee’s plea.
Arrest in SSC recruitment scam
In July 2022, the ED arrested Partha Chatterjee, a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and former West Bengal Education Minister. The arrest was made in connection with the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) teacher recruitment scam. The case revolves around irregularities in recruitment for various teaching and non-teaching positions across the state.
During the investigation, the ED recovered over ₹21 crore in cash from the residence of an associate of Chatterjee. The discovery added to the mounting pressure on Chatterjee and others linked to the scandal. The scam involves illegal appointments of teaching and non-teaching staff, including assistant teachers for Classes IX to XII, and primary teachers, under the Group C and Group D categories.
Fallout within TMC
Following his arrest, the TMC suspended Partha Chatterjee from the party and removed him from all party positions. The TMC leadership has distanced itself from the former minister, signaling the seriousness of the charges against him.
Chatterjee was previously lodged at the Presidency Correctional Home in May 2023 as the case progressed. The case has attracted significant public attention, with many in West Bengal demanding accountability and transparency in the recruitment process for educational staff.
Calcutta High Court orders CBI investigation
Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to carry out an independent probe into the recruitment scam. The court’s directive applied to the recruitment of Group C and Group D staff, as well as teachers for various classes. The investigation is focused on identifying those involved in the illegal appointments and holding them accountable under the law.
In addition to the CBI’s investigation, the ED is probing the financial aspects of the scam under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED’s inquiry is particularly concerned with the movement of money and assets connected to the illegal recruitment scheme.
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