Enforcement Directorate Conducts Major Raid at Former Minister's Residence
In a significant development in the ongoing school jobs scandal investigation, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team executed a comprehensive five-hour raid at the residence of former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee on Saturday. Officials confirmed the operation, which represents a crucial escalation in the probe into the alleged multi-crore recruitment scam that has rocked the state's education system.
Detailed Timeline of the Enforcement Action
The ED team arrived at Chatterjee's Naktala area home around 10:45 am, with central security forces establishing a secure perimeter around the premises. During the extensive operation, which lasted until approximately 4:30 pm, investigators thoroughly searched the property and conducted detailed questioning of the former minister. This enforcement action follows Chatterjee's alleged failure to respond to three separate summons issued by the ED after his recent release on bail.
The timing of this raid is particularly noteworthy, occurring just ahead of the crucial assembly elections scheduled for April 23 and 29. Political observers suggest this development could have significant implications for the electoral landscape in West Bengal.
Background of the Case and Chatterjee's Legal Journey
Chatterjee's legal troubles began with his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on July 23, 2022, in connection with the school recruitment scandal. He remained in custody for over three years (39 months) before securing his release on bail on November 11, 2025. The former minister had obtained conditional bail from the Supreme Court in the CBI-investigated case in August 2025, subsequently receiving relief in other related legal matters.
Prior to his release, Chatterjee underwent medical treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata, adding another layer to this complex legal saga. His bail conditions included surrendering his passport and remaining within the jurisdiction of the trial court, restrictions designed to ensure his availability for ongoing legal proceedings.
The Origins of the Investigation and Parallel Operations
The current investigation traces back to ED raids conducted on July 22-23, 2022, targeting both Chatterjee's residence and properties connected to his associate, Arpita Mukherjee. Those initial searches yielded staggering results, with authorities seizing over Rs 50 crore in cash and substantial quantities of gold jewelry from two flats linked to Mukherjee. Both individuals were arrested following these discoveries.
In a coordinated operation on Saturday, another ED team simultaneously searched the Rajarhat office of Prasanna Kumar Roy, whom investigators have identified as a key middleman in the alleged scandal. This parallel action demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the ongoing probe.
Political Fallout and Career Consequences
The scandal has had profound political repercussions for Chatterjee. Following his arrest, he was immediately stripped of his cabinet portfolios and suspended from the Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal. The political consequences extended further when he was not renominated from the Behala Paschim constituency for the 2026 Assembly elections.
This represents a dramatic fall for a politician who had represented the Behala Paschim seat as MLA for four consecutive terms since 2006, establishing himself as a significant political figure in the region before the scandal emerged.
Nature of the Allegations and Investigation Focus
Chatterjee stands accused of being the "mastermind" behind the alleged multi-crore scam involving illegal recruitment of both teaching and non-teaching staff (Group C & D positions) in government-aided schools. These alleged activities occurred during his tenure as West Bengal's education minister, with investigators examining systematic irregularities in the recruitment process.
The Enforcement Directorate's continued pursuit of this case, including Saturday's raid, underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the agency's determination to follow all investigative leads. As the probe advances toward potential legal proceedings, all eyes remain on how this high-profile case will unfold in the coming months.
