West Bengal Municipality Recruitment Scandal: ED Seizes Rs 45 Lakh and Property Papers
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at multiple premises, including the office of West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose, seizing Rs 45 lakh in cash, property documents, and digital devices in connection with alleged irregularities in municipal recruitment.
Enforcement Directorate EdMunicipal RecruitmentAyan SilSujit BoseWest BengalReal EstateOct 12, 2025
In a statement to the media, the central agency detailed that the searches were conducted at premises linked to the office of Fire and Emergency Services Minister Bose and his firms, among others. The ED had previously raided these premises linked to Bose in January 2024.
During the course of the searches, the ED found various incriminating documents, including property papers, digital devices, and unexplained cash amounting to Rs 45 lakh. The agency's investigation revealed that the alleged irregularities in the hiring of clerks, peons, and sweepers in various municipalities came to light during the probe into primary school teachers' recruitment.
The ED's investigation into real estate promoter Ayan Sil and others in 2023 uncovered documents that revealed the scope of the scam extended beyond teacher recruitment to cover several other appointments by various municipalities, including Kanchrapra, New Barrackpore, Kamarhati, Titagarh, Baranagar, Halisahar, South Dum Dum (N), and Dum Dum.
The allegations center on Sil, a close associate of expelled Trinamool Congress youth wing leader Shantanu Banerjee, and his agents, who facilitated illegal recruitments in 16 municipalities. According to the CBI chargesheet filed in the case, the agents charged an average commission of Rs 50,000 from each beneficiary. The chargesheet named an agent, Shamik Chowdhury, stating that several individuals secured municipal jobs through this network. The investigation has led to the arrest of several individuals as the probe continues to widen.
The ED has filed a Prosecution Complaint against Sil, alleging that he and other high functionaries, including public servants and political leaders, conspired to facilitate the illegal appointments of unmeritorious candidates in several municipalities in exchange for money. The contracts for printing question papers, OMR sheets, evaluating marks, and preparing merit lists were given to a single company, M/s ABS Infozon Pvt Ltd, owned by Sil.
On Friday, Minister Bose accused the central agency of targeting him politically ahead of elections. “They (the Central agencies) conduct these raids every time there’s an election knocking on the door. These visits are meant for leaders belonging to the Opposition parties. This is nothing new. They have raided my properties before and found nothing incriminating against me. This is a strategy to exert pressure before the polls,” Bose said, referring to the ED’s January 2024 search at two houses and an office linked to the minister in the Lake Town area of Kolkata. The ED had then seized documents and a mobile phone during the 14-hour-long search.
The ongoing investigation and the seizure of incriminating documents and cash highlight the seriousness of the allegations and the extent of the alleged scam in West Bengal's municipal recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the ED seize during the searches?
The ED seized Rs 45 lakh in cash, incriminating documents related to properties, and digital devices.
Who is Ayan Sil and what is his alleged involvement?
Ayan Sil is a real estate promoter and a close associate of Shantanu Banerjee. He is accused of facilitating illegal recruitments in 16 municipalities and taking commissions from beneficiaries.
What is the scope of the alleged scam?
The alleged scam extends beyond teacher recruitment to cover several other appointments by various municipalities, including Kanchrapra, New Barrackpore, Kamarhati, Titagarh, Baranagar, Halisahar, South Dum Dum (N), and Dum Dum.
What are the allegations against Sujit Bose?
Sujit Bose, the West Bengal Minister, has been accused of being targeted politically by the ED. He claims that the raids are a strategy to exert pressure before elections.
What contracts were given to M/s ABS Infozon Pvt Ltd?
The contracts for printing question papers, OMR sheets, evaluating marks, and preparing merit lists were given to M/s ABS Infozon Pvt Ltd, owned by Ayan Sil.
Related News Articles
Mahindra Lifespaces Unveils Phase 4 of Pune's Premium Residential Project
Mahindra Lifespaces launches the final phase of its residential project Mahindra Happinest Tathawade in Pune
Tier 2 Cities: The Emerging Hotspots for Real Estate Investment in India
Discover why Tier 2 cities are becoming the next big investment hubs for real estate in India, driven by rapid urbanization, growing disposable incomes, and infrastructure development.
K-RERA Mandates BDA to Pay Rs 12.5 Lakhs for Construction Delay
In a significant ruling, the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) has ordered the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to pay Rs 12.5 lakhs to a homebuyer for the delay in the project site development.
Omaxe's Share Price Plummets: A 52-Week Low Amid Rising Losses
Omaxe's stock hit a new 52-week low on Friday, opening at Rs 74.75 per share and dipping further during the trading session. This decline comes amid increasing financial losses for the real estate firm.
Tragic Electrocution Occurs While Setting Up Traps in Mulugu
A man was tragically electrocuted while setting up traps to hunt wildlife in the Mulugu district of Telangana. The incident highlights the dangers of tampering with electrical systems and the need for safety measures.
Navigating the Job Market: Challenges and Strategies Amid Economic Uncertainty
The current economic climate has left many industries grappling with job uncertainty and falling incomes. From ancillary services to real estate and consumer goods, the impact is widespread. This article explores the challenges and potential strategies to navigate these tough times.