The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 9 filed a prosecution complaint against former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose, his son Samudra Bose, IAS officer Jyotishman Chattopadhyay, and others before a special PMLA court in Kolkata, alleging that Bose funneled funds from a municipality scam into his restaurant, bar, and flats.
Allegations of Diversion of Scam Proceeds
According to the ED, Bose, who served as the minister for fire and emergency services, misappropriated funds from the West Bengal Municipal Development Scheme, which were intended for infrastructure development in municipalities. The agency claims that the diverted funds were used to set up and operate a restaurant and a bar in Kolkata, as well as to purchase multiple residential flats in prime locations.
The ED's investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), revealed that Bose, along with his son Samudra, and Chattopadhyay, who was the director of local bodies, conspired to siphon off public money. The complaint details transactions showing the flow of funds from municipal accounts to entities controlled by Bose's family.
Key Accused and Legal Proceedings
The prosecution complaint names Sujit Bose, Samudra Bose, and Jyotishman Chattopadhyay as the main accused. Chattopadhyay, an IAS officer, is accused of facilitating the diversion of funds during his tenure as director of local bodies. The ED has also named several others, including private individuals and companies, as co-accused.
The case is now pending before the special PMLA court in Kolkata, which will decide on the framing of charges. The ED has sought the court's permission to attach properties worth crores of rupees owned by Bose and his associates, including the restaurant, bar, and flats allegedly purchased with the scam money.
Background of the Scam
The municipality scam came to light in 2024 when the ED initiated a money laundering investigation based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the West Bengal police. The FIR alleged that between 2018 and 2023, officials in several municipalities colluded with contractors and politicians to embezzle funds from the Municipal Development Scheme. The scheme was designed to provide grants for local infrastructure projects such as roads, drainage, and sanitation.
The ED's probe revealed that a network of shell companies and fake invoices was used to divert the funds. Bose's role emerged from his proximity to the accused officials and his direct involvement in the management of the restaurant and bar, which were used to launder the proceeds.
Impact and Reactions
The case has sparked political controversy in West Bengal, with opposition parties demanding the arrest of Bose and a thorough investigation. The Trinamool Congress, to which Bose belonged, has distanced itself from him, stating that it does not condone corruption. The ED's action is seen as a significant step in cracking down on corruption in local governance.
Bose has denied all allegations, calling the ED's complaint a political vendetta. His lawyers have stated that they will challenge the complaint in court. The next hearing is expected to take place in August 2026.
