The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former West Bengal minister and Trinamool Congress leader Sujit Bose in connection with the alleged South Dum Dum Municipality recruitment scam. The arrest marks a major development in the ongoing money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in municipal job appointments in West Bengal.
Arrest Follows Hours of Questioning
Sujit Bose was arrested late Monday after prolonged questioning at the ED’s office in Kolkata. Officials said the former minister, who previously handled the Fire and Emergency Services department, was being investigated over alleged irregularities in recruitments carried out during his tenure as vice-chairman of the South Dum Dum Municipality between 2010 and 2021.
The ED stated that Bose would be produced before a Special PMLA Court following his arrest. Investigators also claimed to have traced substantial cash deposits in bank accounts allegedly linked to him.
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Allegations of Jobs-for-Cash Network
According to the ED’s investigation, Bose allegedly recommended nearly 150 candidates for various municipal posts in exchange for financial benefits. Investigators are examining allegations that jobs in the South Dum Dum Municipality were offered through an illegal recruitment network involving monetary transactions and political influence.
The agency also alleged that proceeds of crime were linked to properties and financial assets allegedly acquired in return for facilitating appointments. Officials claimed that suspicious cash transactions and property-related evidence surfaced during the probe.
Probe Linked to Wider Municipal Recruitment Scam
The case forms part of the larger municipal recruitment scam investigation in West Bengal, where central agencies have been probing allegations of illegal appointments in civic bodies across the state. Earlier investigations by the CBI and ED had uncovered alleged irregularities similar to those seen in the state’s school recruitment scam.
The ED had previously conducted raids at multiple locations linked to Bose and his associates as part of the investigation. Family members, including his son, were also questioned during earlier stages of the probe.
Political Attention Intensifies Around Recruitment Cases
The arrest comes amid heightened political and legal scrutiny over recruitment-related corruption cases in West Bengal. Several politicians and public officials have faced investigation by central agencies in connection with alleged irregularities in public sector appointments and financial transactions.
Authorities have indicated that further investigation is underway to identify the financial trail, recruitment records, and individuals allegedly involved in the municipal appointment process.
