The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted search operations at nine locations in and around Kolkata as part of its investigation into the West Bengal Municipality Recruitment Scam. The searches, carried out on June 13, covered premises linked to several individuals, including the office and residence of Madan Mitra, MLA and former Transport Minister of West Bengal. According to the agency, various incriminating documents, property-related records and digital devices were recovered and seized during the operation.
The ED said its investigation stems from a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following directions issued by the Calcutta High Court. The agency stated that it had previously submitted findings before the court concerning alleged irregularities in recruitment to various municipal posts across West Bengal.
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Probe Expanded Beyond Teacher Recruitment Case
According to the ED, the municipality recruitment investigation emerged from evidence recovered during earlier searches conducted in 2023 in connection with the Primary Teachers Recruitment Scam. Those searches were carried out at premises linked to Ayan Sil and others, during which digital and documentary evidence was seized.
The agency said scrutiny of the material indicated that the alleged irregularities were not confined to teacher recruitment but extended to appointments made by multiple municipalities, including Kanchrapara, New Barrackpore, Kamarhati, Titagarh, Baranagar, Halisahar, South Dum Dum and North Dum Dum.
The investigation covers recruitment to several categories of posts, including Mazdoors, Sweepers, Clerks, Peons, Ambulance Attendants, Assistant Mistresses, Pump Operators, Helpers, Sanitary Assistants and Drivers.
Alleged Manipulation of Recruitment Process
The ED alleged that contracts relating to various municipal corporations and municipalities were awarded to a single company, M/s ABS Infozon Pvt. Ltd., whose director was identified as Ayan Sil. The contracts reportedly involved the printing of question papers and OMR sheets, evaluation of candidate marks and preparation of merit lists.
According to the agency, Ayan Sil and several other individuals, including public servants and political leaders, entered into a criminal conspiracy to facilitate illegal appointments in exchange for money. The ED alleged that manipulation of OMR sheets was used to secure appointments for unmeritorious candidates in several municipalities.
The agency further stated that the company, which was responsible for printing, designing and evaluating OMR sheets, allegedly abused its position to influence recruitment outcomes.
Earlier Arrests and Continuing Investigation
The ED noted that it had earlier arrested Sujit Bose, former MLA and former minister from West Bengal, in connection with the case on May 11, 2026. According to the agency, Bose is currently in judicial custody.
The agency also stated that it has already filed a prosecution complaint against Ayan Sil before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata.
The ED said further investigation into the municipality recruitment scam remains underway as it continues to examine the evidence seized during the latest searches.
