Today(on 30th April),Calcutta High Court refuses bail for ex-West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee in money laundering case linked to school recruitment scandal, prolonging his detention amid ongoing investigation.
KOLKATA: Today(on 30th April), The Calcutta High Court has rejected to grant bail to Partha Chatterjee, a former state minister who holds significant stature in the political arena. Chatterjee is embroiled in a money laundering investigation spearheaded by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
This inquiry focuses on suspected financial misconduct linked to the hiring practices within publicly funded primary schools throughout the region. The refusal of bail extends Chatterjee’s detention, signifying a noteworthy progression in a matter that has garnered considerable interest for its connection to a notable political figure and allegations of financial wrongdoing within educational establishments.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh presided over the hearing, where he dismissed the bail plea of Chatterjee, who had served as the Education Minister from 2011 to 2021. his important investigation period shows there may have been mistakes and illegal activities linked to hiring teachers and staff in the state’s primary schools.
The arrest of Chatterjee took place on July 22, 2022, alongside his alleged close associate, Arpita Mukherjee. The ED’s investigation into the duo has unveiled substantial illicit financial flows and illegal recruitment practices.
Notably, during the raids at Mukherjee’s residences, authorities recovered an astonishing sum of Rs 49.80 crore in cash, along with various high-value items including jewellery and gold bars. Additionally, documents pertaining to property ownership and business ventures in joint names were also seized, further implicating the former minister in the scandal.
The defense for Chatterjee argued for his release on bail, citing the completion of the investigation and pointing out his advanced age of over 70, coupled with multiple health issues. They highlighted his prolonged detention, which has exceeded 21 months.
However, Phiroze Edulji, representing the ED, strongly opposed the bail, emphasizing Chatterjee’s significant influence as a sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and his potential to sway testimonies of key witnesses.
The Mamata Banerjee-led government promptly removed Chatterjee from his ministerial responsibilities. Moreover, his party, the Trinamool Congress, distanced itself by stripping him of all significant party positions, including his role as the secretary-general.
