Central Agency Cites Irregular Recommendations and Financial Links
NEW DELHI – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken into custody Sujit Bose, a former minister in the West Bengal government and a leader within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), in connection with an alleged scam involving municipal recruitments. The arrest followed an intensive, day-long interrogation that lasted over ten hours.
Bose stands accused of improperly recommending approximately 150 candidates for various positions within the South Dum Dum Municipality. This alleged action was reportedly undertaken in exchange for personal financial gain. The agency also indicated that it has uncovered substantial cash deposits within bank accounts under Bose's control, furthering the suspicion of illicit financial transactions.
Further Questioning and Legal Proceedings
Bose is slated to be presented before a special court on Tuesday for further legal proceedings. The ED aims to secure his custody for more in-depth questioning regarding the unearthed evidence. This development marks a significant moment, being the first major arrest of a TMC figure since the recent shift in state governance.
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Timeline of Scrutiny
This is not the initial encounter between Bose and the ED concerning irregularities in the South Dum Dum Municipality. He had previously appeared before the agency on May 1st, after multiple summons, and again on May 4th. During the election period, Bose had sought a reprieve from appearing, citing campaign duties, and had petitioned the Calcutta High Court.
Roots of the Investigation
The current probe into municipal recruitments originated from the ED's broader investigation into the school recruitment scam in the state. The agency's focus intensified in 2023 after searches at locations associated with Ayan Sil, an individual linked to an expelled TMC leader, yielded incriminating documents and digital evidence. The investigation encompasses alleged recruitment irregularities across multiple municipalities in West Bengal, including South Dum Dum, Kamarhati, Panihati, North Dum Dum, and Baranagar, as well as some in North Bengal.
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Background
Sujit Bose, aged 63, previously held the portfolio of Fire and Emergency Services. He was a prominent MLA from Bidhannagar. Notably, he was defeated in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections from his home constituency. Bose is also known for organizing one of Kolkata's large Durga Pujas at Sreebhumi Sporting Club. He began his political career as a member of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M). Another TMC MLA, Rathin Ghosh, has also been summoned in connection with the same scam but has reportedly not yet appeared before the ED. A parallel investigation into the municipal job irregularities is also underway by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following a High Court order.
