In a recent development, the Calcutta High Court has expressed its discontent with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning its probe into the alleged multi-crore recruitment scam in West Bengal schools. This marks the second consecutive day of the court’s criticism towards the federal agency. Consequently, the head of the CBI’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been summoned to appear before the court on September 27.
Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, during the hearing, voiced his concerns over the CBI’s approach to the investigation. Firdaus Shamim, a counsel representing some of the aggrieved candidates, shared with the media,
“The bench of justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay expressed displeasure over the manner in which the CBI was probing into the recruitment scam. The bench also observed that if need be, he would inform the Prime Minister and the CBI director.”
Another senior high court advocate, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, echoed similar sentiments, stating,
“The bench made a remark asking whether PMO needs to be informed over the manner in which the agency was probing into the scam.”
The court’s scrutiny intensified when Justice Gangopadhyay rebuked the CBI for not producing any report on their interrogation of arrested MLA Manik Bhattacharya, who is alleged to have destroyed OMR sheets used in teacher recruitment tests. The judge openly questioned the agency’s intentions, asking,
“Is there any alliance between the CBI and Manik Bhattacharya? Why is the investigating agency not trying to vacate the order of the Supreme Court restraining the investigators from seeking Bhattacharya’s custody again for interrogation?”
Justice Gangopadhyay’s concerns were further heightened when the CBI presented a fresh list of suspects, hinting at the involvement of other elected representatives in the recruitment irregularities. While the specific names were not disclosed in court, the judge remarked,
“Arrey ey to dekhchhi sab mahapurush (Oh! What I can see is all great people).”
He then inquired if these “mahapurush” had been interrogated, expressing his annoyance over the delay in the process.
The judge’s frustration was evident when he stated,
“All these thieves will contest the polls again. They are waiting for my retirement. The general public have started thinking that nothing will come up in the investigation.”
He further criticized the CBI for showing the court “kanchkola”, a term signifying “nothing”.
The CBI’s silence in response to the court’s queries and its perceived lack of urgency in the investigation have raised eyebrows. The agency’s next steps, as well as its response to the court’s summons, are eagerly awaited by the public and stakeholders alike.
