ED Conducts Fresh Raid at Partha Chatterjee’s Residence, Summons Him in Ongoing Cash-for-Jobs Scam Investigati

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out fresh raids at the residence of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee in South Kolkata. The action is linked to the ongoing investigation into the alleged teachers' recruitment scam connected with the West Bengal School Service Commission.

This development comes months after Chatterjee was granted bail in the case.

Raid Conducted Under Tight Security

The raid took place at Chatterjee's residence in the Naktala area of Kolkata. Around late morning, central security forces surrounded the house before ED officials entered to begin their search.

Sources confirmed that Chatterjee was present at home during the operation. Officials conducted a detailed search as part of the continuing probe into the scam.

Why the ED Is Investigating the Case

The case relates to alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers during Chatterjee's tenure as education minister. The investigation focuses on claims that jobs were given in exchange for money, leading to what is widely described as a "cash-for-jobs" scam.

The ED had earlier summoned Chatterjee for questioning. However, he reportedly did not appear, citing health issues. The latest raid is seen as part of efforts to gather more evidence and push the investigation forward.

Background: Arrest and Recovery of Cash

Chatterjee was arrested in July 2022 along with his close associate Arpita Mukherjee. During the investigation, officials recovered over ₹50 crore in cash and gold jewellery worth around ₹4.5 crore from properties linked to Mukherjee.

The large recovery shocked many and brought national attention to the case.

Simultaneous Searches at Other Locations

Alongside the raid at Chatterjee's residence, ED teams also carried out searches at the office of Prasanna Roy, who is considered a close aide and co-accused in the case.
These parallel actions suggest that investigators are looking at multiple angles and individuals connected to the alleged scam.

Political Background and Current Status

Once a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Chatterjee later lost his prominence within the party and was denied a ticket.

He currently represents the Behala West constituency in the West Bengal Assembly. After being granted bail, he was appointed to standing committees related to library and housing, as well as fire services and disaster management.

Investigation Continues

The latest raids indicate that the investigation is far from over. Authorities are continuing to examine evidence and question individuals linked to the case.

As the probe moves forward, more developments are expected, keeping the spotlight on one of West Bengal's most high-profile corruption cases.