The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the municipal recruitment scam in West Bengal by issuing a fresh summons to Rathin Ghosh, former Food Minister and TMC MLA from Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas.
According to officials, a formal notice has been sent directing Ghosh to appear before investigators at the ED office in the CGO Complex in Salt Lake on Monday, May 25, for further questioning in connection with the case.
This latest summons comes just days after the senior politician appeared before ED officials on May 15 following five earlier summonses, which he had reportedly skipped citing election-related responsibilities. On May 15, he underwent an extensive interrogation session lasting nearly ten hours inside the CGO Complex.
Sources said that during his earlier appearances, Ghosh maintained that he was not fully aware of the specific allegations at the time of summons. However, after the prolonged questioning session, he declined to comment further when speaking to the media, stating only that he had “provided everything asked for” and that any future summons would be complied with as directed.
Investigators believe Ghosh’s repeated questioning is part of a wider probe into alleged irregularities in municipal-level recruitments across the state. ED officials are attempting to establish financial links and decision-making chains related to suspected illegal appointments and recommendation-based recruitments.
The case itself saw a major development on May 11, when another ex-minister, Sujit Bose, was arrested by the ED. Officials claim that evidence has emerged suggesting Bose’s involvement in facilitating illegal recruitment in several municipalities, including South Dum Dum Municipality. Investigators also allege that a list of nearly 150 candidates who were allegedly appointed through irregular means has been recovered during the probe.
ED sources further stated that they are examining multiple bank accounts suspected to have been used to route proceeds of crime generated through the recruitment racket. The focus of the investigation, officials said, is to trace the flow of alleged “black money” and identify beneficiaries connected to the network.
The agency is also cross-verifying statements given by Ghosh with those of other accused individuals as part of its ongoing probe. Officials indicated that the next round of questioning is expected to be crucial in establishing a clearer picture of the alleged recruitment irregularities.
With the fresh summons scheduled for Monday, political and administrative circles are bracing for renewed developments in a case that has already triggered significant political tension in the state.
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