The Enforcement Directorate on Monday interrogated Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee in connection with the cash-for-jobs case under investigation. Banerjee emerged from the CGO Complex office after 11 hours of questioning.
Previous Questioning and Silence
Banerjee, previously questioned in the case in 2023, arrived at the CGO Complex office on Monday around 11 am with his security personnel. He pushed through a crowd of media persons and remained silent despite a barrage of questions.
Banerjee's Statement After Interrogation
After 11 hours, Banerjee addressed the media, stating, “Those who have been arrested have now secured bail. We tried our best to give jobs to deserving candidates. We wanted eligible candidates to be added through a transparent process. I have cooperated with the agency in my own way and will continue to do so if required.”
Allegations of Political Victimization
Banerjee termed the interrogation as political victimization and an attempt to break the Trinamool Congress. He has been asked to appear before the CID on Tuesday regarding an FIR related to his election speeches.
ED's Findings: Proceeds of Crime
According to ED sources, proceeds of crime from the cash-for-jobs scam were transferred to Leaps & Bounds and linked companies. The name Leaps & Bounds emerged during scrutiny of SD Consultancy, a company tied to Sujay Krishna Bhadra, an employee of Leaps & Bounds who later became its director.
Banerjee's Family Links
Banerjee, a former director of Leaps & Bounds, resigned from the post, but his parents Amit Banerjee and Lata Banerjee continue as directors. Investigators suspect three transactions—Rs 48.6 lakh, Rs 45.3 lakh, and Rs 1 lakh—between February 2020 and January 2021 were linked to Leaps & Bounds. SD Consultancy paid Rs 95 lakh to Leaps & Bounds.
Previous ED Actions
In 2023, the ED conducted a night-long search at Leaps & Bounds office and Bhadra's son-in-law's flat in Lee Road. In 2024, the ED informed Calcutta High Court about attaching properties worth Rs 148.5 crore from companies linked to Leaps & Bounds.
Questions Posed to Banerjee
ED officials asked Banerjee about consultancy fees paid to Leaps & Bounds and his role as a director. In a charge sheet, the ED claimed Bhadra was in touch with Banerjee via phone and that businessmen and companies helped stash cash from the scam.
