A special court in Kolkata on Wednesday directed West Bengal’s Correctional Homes Minister, Chandranath Sinha, to present himself before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 25 and 26 for questioning in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the state’s school jobs scam. The court, however, rejected the ED’s request for a seven-day custodial interrogation, citing the prolonged duration of the investigation as a key factor in its decision.
The court further instructed the ED to provide prior notice to Sinha for any future appearances related to the probe into the alleged money trail in the recruitment scandal. This ruling comes as part of an ongoing investigation into irregularities in the hiring process for state-run and state-aided primary schools, which has drawn significant attention due to its implications for West Bengal’s education system and political landscape.
Sinha, currently out on bail after surrendering to the court earlier this month following a summons, has been under scrutiny since the ED raided his premises in March 2024. His legal team argued that the agency lacked promptness in advancing the probe, noting that Sinha was first questioned in September 2024, six months after the raid. They further stated that Sinha complied with a subsequent ED summons in July 2025, providing requested documents to aid the investigation.
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The ED’s probe has gained momentum following approval from the West Bengal governor to prosecute Sinha for his alleged role in the scam. The case centers on claims of financial misconduct in the recruitment process, with the agency tracing suspected illicit transactions linked to the appointments.
As the investigation unfolds, the court’s directive underscores the delicate balance between ensuring accountability and respecting legal due process. With Sinha required to cooperate with the ED, the case continues to spotlight systemic issues in West Bengal’s education sector, raising questions about governance and transparency in the state.
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