The Calcutta High Court recently issued directives to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to refrain from taking any coercive measures against TMC leader and Member of Parliament, Abhishek Banerjee, in relation to the ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) II/19/2022. This report filed by the ED implicates Banerjee in the ‘Teacher-recruitment scam.’ However, the court declined to quash the ECIR itself.
Justice Amrita Sinha, presiding over the case, expressed concerns over the ED’s approach to the investigation, especially regarding Banerjee’s involvement in the ‘school jobs for cash’ scam. In a prior hearing, the court had instructed the ED to provide a list of assets associated with the company ‘Leaps & Bounds,’ allegedly under Banerjee’s ownership.
The asset details presented by the ED were based on information provided by the legal representatives of Banerjee and other company directors. Justice Sinha remarked with astonishment,
“The documents show he (Banerjee) only has three insurance policies. He is a Member of Parliament (MP). He doesn’t have any bank account? This court is shocked to see only three insurance policies are there and he is an MP. He must be having a bank account where his salary would be credited. So I fail to understand, whether you (ED) are withholding some information or not.”
The court also pointed out several inconsistencies in the ED’s investigation against ‘Leaps & Bounds.’ The asset list showcased land parcels, a factory, four cars, two goods carriers, and even a cycle. However, specific details about these assets were conspicuously absent. The judge questioned,
“There is also one cycle? Is it a tricycle? Had it been a motorcycle there would have been details. Or is it a Harley Davidson? Did you cross-check? No.”
The court further criticized the ED for its lack of progress in the investigation, which began in June 2022. Justice Sinha commented,
“More than 18 months have elapsed from the day when the probe was ordered. But hardly any result can be seen. The investigating agencies ought to take proper steps to introspect and find out the means for proceeding with the probe in the right earnest. The probe ought to be dealt with extreme urgency because the candidates, who have been appointed may not be eligible for imparting education to students of primary schools.”
In light of these revelations, the Calcutta High Court’s observations underscore the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged scam, ensuring justice and accountability.
