Bengal Minister's Family Summoned by ED in Growing Recruitment Scam Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate has officially summoned the wife, son, and daughter of West Bengal's Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose for questioning in connection with an alleged municipal recruitment scam. The family members have been directed to appear at the CGO Complex next week as the financial probe intensifies.
Documents and Properties Uncovered During Raids
According to ED officials, recent raids conducted by the agency led to the seizure of several important documents that revealed a huge amount of property registered under the family's name. The investigation, which began with allegations of irregularities in municipal recruitment processes, has now expanded to examine the source of these substantial assets.
In October, the ED conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations connected to Minister Sujit Bose, including a bar and restaurant owned by his son. The searches covered 10 locations across Kolkata and its outskirts, resulting in the recovery of significant evidence.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Arup Chakraborty condemned the ED's actions, stating that "We always see that before the elections, the ED and CBI comes. This has been done previously also. The political conspiracy is clear."
Meanwhile, BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar supported the investigation, emphasizing that "Now after the ED summons, it has to be understood that a lot of the property is in the name of the wife, son and daughter, so now they have to answer to the ED about their income source."
The ED's official statement confirmed that during the October raids, investigators seized:
- Various incriminating documents related to property
- Digital devices containing potential evidence
- Unexplained cash amounting to Rs 45 lakh
Historical Context of the Investigation
This is not the first time Minister Sujit Bose has faced scrutiny from investigative agencies. In January 2024, two of his homes in Lake Town and his office underwent extensive searches lasting over 14 hours, with central forces deployed throughout the area. During that operation, documents and his mobile phone were seized for examination.
The current investigation traces its origins to April 2023, when the Calcutta High Court directed the CBI to probe alleged irregularities in municipal-level recruitment processes. The ED's involvement came later as the focus shifted to tracking the financial trail and potential money laundering aspects of the case.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes are on the upcoming questioning session where Bose's family members will need to provide satisfactory explanations about their assets and income sources to the Enforcement Directorate officials.
