The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive search operations across eight locations in and around Kolkata on Saturday in connection with the alleged municipal recruitment scam. Among the key locations raided were the flat and residence of Madan Mitra, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Kamarhati, North 24 Parganas.
The searches, which began around midnight on Friday, continued for over six hours into Saturday morning under heavy security cover provided by central forces. ED officials confirmed that the raids are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering linked to irregularities in municipal recruitments.
According to investigators, Mitra is suspected of accepting bribes in the form of cash and gold through intermediaries in exchange for facilitating the appointment of unqualified candidates to various municipal posts, including positions within the Kamarhati Municipality. Officials claim that there may be a connection between the MLA and at least 125 such illegal appointments.
Simultaneous searches were carried out at multiple premises associated with Mitra, including his residences in Bhowanipore, Kalighat, Joka, and Dakshineswar. ED teams also conducted operations in Beleghata, a club in Santoshpur, and a location in Behala. At these sites, officials examined documents, financial transaction records, and recruitment-related materials as part of evidence collection.
Sources indicated that investigators questioned the caretaker of Mitra’s flat while conducting detailed searches at his Bhowanipore residence, where he was reportedly staying with his family. The presence of central forces around the housing complex led to heightened activity in the area.
The ED stated that the current operation is based on leads obtained from Ayan Sil, who was arrested on March 20, 2023, in connection with the same case. Sil is alleged to have been involved in conducting recruitment processes for multiple municipalities through his company. Authorities have accused the firm of irregularities in preparing OMR sheets, organising examinations, and managing interview procedures.
Investigations so far suggest widespread corruption in the recruitment of Group-D staff, typists, and other lower-level employees across at least seven municipalities in West Bengal. Officials believe that large sums of money were exchanged in return for securing jobs, with Kamarhati Municipality among the affected bodies.
Political observers indicate that the scope of the municipal recruitment scam probe is expanding steadily. However, there has been no official response from Mitra or the TMC regarding the latest developments.
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