Enforcement Directorate Interrogates Former Bengal Minister in School Jobs Scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday conducted a significant interrogation of former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee at his Naktala residence in Kolkata. The central agency also executed searches at the property as part of its ongoing investigation into the high-profile school jobs-for-cash scandal that has rocked the state's education sector.
Details of the ED Operation
According to authoritative ED sources, a specialized team of officials arrived at Chatterjee's residence around 11 am on Saturday morning. The operation was secured by a substantial deployment of central paramilitary forces, which cordoned off the entire area to ensure the interrogation proceeded without disruption. The central investigating officers engaged in intensive questioning of the former minister for several hours regarding his alleged involvement in the recruitment scandal.
Chatterjee, who was released on bail in November last year after spending three years and three months in judicial custody, had previously been summoned by the ED to appear before them on March 18 in connection with this case. The agency has been meticulously building its case, which involves allegations of financial irregularities and corruption in teacher appointments.
Expanded Search Operations
In a parallel development, the Enforcement Directorate simultaneously conducted searches at the residence of Chatterjee's relative, Prasanna Roy. This indicates the agency is broadening its investigative net to examine potential connections and financial trails linked to the scandal. The ED team, which included a woman officer to ensure procedural compliance, concluded its operations at Chatterjee's Naktala residence around 4:30 pm.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Proceedings
While ED officials maintained official silence and declined to comment on the specifics of the interrogation, reliable sources indicate that Chatterjee might face further questioning sessions as the probe intensifies. The former minister himself refrained from making any public statements regarding the day's events, maintaining a cautious stance.
This latest development underscores the ED's continued pursuit of the school jobs scam case, which has exposed systemic corruption in education department appointments. The agency's persistent efforts suggest that more revelations and legal actions may follow as they piece together evidence from multiple locations and individuals connected to the scandal.
