Kolkata/Raiganj: A major recruitment fraud controversy has surfaced in West Bengal after police arrested two local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders over allegations of cheating unemployed youths by promising government jobs in exchange for large cash payments.
The arrests in North Dinajpur and South Dinajpur districts have triggered a wider investigation into a suspected employment fraud network allegedly operating across parts of North Bengal.
Simultaneous Raids and Racket Arrests
According to investigators, the accused allegedly convinced several job seekers that they could arrange appointments in state government departments and police services through political influence and internal connections. Police sources claim many victims handed over money, educational certificates and personal documents in the hope of securing stable public sector employment.
The arrested accused have been identified as Majibur Rahman alias Dulal, a vice-president of the Hemtabad block committee of the Trinamool Congress in North Dinajpur, and Mofizuddin Mia, a district general secretary associated with the party in South Dinajpur. Investigators said both were taken into custody during separate operations linked to cheating and recruitment fraud complaints that had been under investigation for several months.
Extortion Claims Under Judicial Remand
Police officials said Rahman was arrested from Siliguri after allegations emerged that he had collected nearly ₹8.5 lakh from multiple individuals by promising jobs in state government offices. Investigators stated that a complaint accusing him of cheating and extortion had reportedly been filed earlier, but the probe intensified after additional witness statements and supporting evidence surfaced during recent inquiries.
Following his arrest, Rahman was produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody for further interrogation. Officials are now examining whether other intermediaries or local associates were involved in arranging fake recruitment assurances or collecting money from candidates.
Targeted Schemes for Police Aspirants
In a separate investigation in South Dinajpur, police arrested Mofizuddin Mia and one of his associates after allegations surfaced that unemployed youths were promised recruitment as police constables in exchange for substantial payments. Investigators believe the alleged network specifically targeted aspirants facing prolonged unemployment and uncertainty surrounding competitive government recruitment processes.
According to police sources, the investigation gathered momentum after a written complaint was filed alleging that a youth had paid approximately ₹9 lakh and submitted original educational documents in expectation of obtaining a constable’s job. During the inquiry, investigators reportedly identified Mia as a key link connected to the suspected recruitment racket.
Political Backlash and Deepening Inquiry
Authorities later conducted a special operation that led to his arrest. He was subsequently produced before a court and remanded to police custody for extended questioning. Investigators are now tracing financial transactions, mobile communication records and bank account activity to determine the scale of the alleged operation and identify whether additional victims may have been targeted across multiple districts.
The case has sparked strong political reactions across the state. Opposition parties have accused local political figures of exploiting unemployed youths by using false assurances of government recruitment and alleged political influence. Some opposition leaders also claimed that similar fraudulent recruitment networks may still be operating in rural regions where demand for government jobs remains extremely high.
Systemic Exploitation of Job Seekers
Meanwhile, leaders associated with the ruling party stated that legal proceedings should continue independently and maintained that action would be taken if any individual was found guilty following investigation. However, opposition parties continue demanding a broader probe into alleged recruitment-linked financial frauds across North Bengal.
Experts associated with employment and financial fraud investigations say fake government recruitment schemes have become increasingly organised in recent years. Fraudsters often use fabricated appointment promises, forged recommendation claims and perceived political connections to gain the trust of victims desperate for secure employment opportunities.
Investigators are also examining whether forged appointment letters, fake recruitment documents or informal agent networks were used to sustain the alleged operation. Digital evidence, financial records and witness testimonies are currently being analysed to establish the money trail and uncover the full extent of the suspected racket.
Police officials believe additional arrests and fresh disclosures may emerge as the investigation progresses and more complainants come forward with similar allegations.
