Key Accused in School Recruitment Scam Set for Release
In a significant development in the West Bengal school recruitment scandal, former minister Partha Chatterjee is expected to walk out of jail after a special CBI court ordered his release on Monday. Chatterjee, who was arrested three years ago in July 2022, has been incarcerated in connection with the alleged cash-for-jobs scam that rocked the state's education department.
Bail for Co-accused and Legal Proceedings
The court's order also paves the way for the release of two other key accused in the case: former WBSSC chairperson Subiresh Bhattacharya and former WBSSC adviser Santi Prasad Sinha. According to established procedure, the release order will be sent from the special CBI court to the Presidency Jail in Kolkata, where Chatterjee is officially lodged. However, the order will then be forwarded to the private hospital where the former minister is currently admitted. Sources indicate that Chatterjee is likely to be a free man by Tuesday morning.
The legal journey to this point saw a twist in November 2024, when a two-judge division bench of the high court delivered a split verdict on a bail petition filed by Chatterjee and four other accused. The TMC MLA from Behala West was accused of facilitating the illegal appointments of unqualified candidates for positions as primary school teachers, assistant teachers, and other staff. Following his arrest, the ruling Trinamool Congress suspended him from the party.
Mamata Banerjee's Return and Public Health Initiative
In a parallel development, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to return to Kolkata from North Bengal on Tuesday. Her return is specifically for the inauguration of a major public health project. The Chief Minister announced from Siliguri on Monday that she will be launching 100 mobile medical units in the city.
These specialized vehicles, described as ICCU-type units, are funded through the MPLAD scheme of Rajya Sabha MPs. They are designed to provide crucial health services at the doorstep in rural and remote areas of Bengal. A health department official confirmed that the initiative aims to bridge the healthcare accessibility gap. The CM stated that while 100 units will be inaugurated on Tuesday, the remaining 110 will be flagged off in a subsequent phase.
