In a significant development, former Trinamool Congress minister Partha Chatterjee was “shown arrest” by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) during a court hearing in Kolkata on Tuesday. This new case against Chatterjee pertains to alleged recruitment irregularities in primary schools, adding another layer to the legal challenges faced by the ex-minister who is already embroiled in a money laundering scandal.
The arrest notice came shortly after the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding Chatterjee’s bail plea in a separate money laundering case linked to the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) teacher recruitment scam.
During the hearing at the City Sessions Court, the CBI presented its findings, which implicated the former education minister in the ongoing investigation into the recruitment irregularities. According to the CBI, evidence suggested Chatterjee’s involvement in the corruption case related to the staffing of state-run primary schools.
Opposing the CBI’s move, Chatterjee’s legal counsel argued against the legitimacy of the arrest, stating concerns over his client’s health and current judicial custody status. The politician, who has been suffering from health issues, appeared virtually, joining co-accused Ayan Sil during the proceedings.
