ED Intensifies Crackdown on Kolkata Cash-for-Jobs Scam with Fresh Rs 58 Crore Property Attachment
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday made significant progress in the high-profile Kolkata cash-for-jobs scam, attaching properties worth approximately Rs 58 crore. This latest action brings the total value of attached assets in this sprawling investigation to a staggering Rs 698 crore, marking one of the largest financial crackdowns in recent West Bengal history.
Properties of Key Accused Including MLA Seized
The agency targeted assets belonging to the primary accused in the case. These include Burwan MLA Jiban Krishna Saha and alleged middleman Prasanna Kumar Roy, who is described as a close associate of former minister Partha Chatterjee. The attached properties comprise a diverse portfolio of real estate across multiple districts.
The seized assets include:
- Residential units in prime locations
- Villas in developing areas
- Land parcels in strategic locations
These properties are situated in Rajarhat, New Town, and Patharghata in North 24 Parganas district, as well as in Murshidabad and East Burdwan districts, indicating the widespread nature of the alleged financial network.
Allegations Against MLA Jiban Krishna Saha
According to ED sources, the investigation has revealed that MLA Jiban Krishna Saha was "actively involved" in the collection and handling of proceeds from the crime. The agency alleges he facilitated appointments for undeserving candidates to various government positions in exchange for money.
The positions allegedly involved in the scam include:
- Group C posts
- Group D posts
- Assistant teacher positions
In connection with these allegations, the ED has attached properties worth Rs 3 crore specifically linked to MLA Saha, demonstrating the agency's focus on his alleged role in the scandal.
Complex Money Laundering Network Uncovered
The investigation has uncovered what ED officials describe as a sophisticated money laundering operation allegedly orchestrated by middleman Prasanna Kumar Roy. According to agency allegations, Roy laundered "hundreds of crores" through an elaborate network designed to conceal the illicit funds.
This network reportedly involved:
- More than 90 companies of various structures
- Limited liability partnership companies
- Multiple bank accounts across different institutions
Furthermore, the ED alleges that Roy invested the proceeds from the scam in the name of his former wife and associate, Nilima Mandal, adding another layer of complexity to the financial trail.
Massive Scale of Alleged Job Manipulation
The scope of the alleged irregularities appears extensive. According to ED investigations, Prasanna Kumar Roy arranged jobs for nearly 2,081 candidates through questionable means. Among these, approximately 1,135 appointments were specifically for classes 9 and 10 teaching positions at various schools across the state.
This revelation highlights the potential impact on the education sector and raises serious questions about the recruitment process for teaching positions in West Bengal schools.
The ongoing investigation continues to uncover new dimensions of what appears to be one of the most significant recruitment scams in recent West Bengal history, with the ED's persistent efforts gradually revealing the full extent of the alleged financial network and its operations.
