The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Trinamool MLA Jiban Krishna Saha in the Bengal SSC teachers recruitment case. Officials claim that the MLA played a key role in the alleged scam. His arrest has triggered sharp political reactions across West Bengal.
Saha, a legislator from Burwan constituency in Murshidabad, was taken into custody after long hours of questioning. The ED stated that his links to the money trail in the scam could not be ignored. They added that his role demanded custodial interrogation.
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The Bengal SSC recruitment case
The SSC recruitment scam has shaken West Bengal politics. It involves allegations that jobs in government schools were sold in exchange for money. Aspirants who qualified examinations claim that their names were replaced with others in exchange for bribes.
The ED has been investigating the case for months. They tracked several money trails, leading to arrests of influential leaders, businessmen, and middlemen. Former Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee was arrested earlier in connection with the case. Cash worth crores was recovered from properties linked to his aide, Arpita Mukherjee.
Officials believe Jiban Krishna Saha’s arrest marks another big breakthrough. They say that the MLA collected money through trusted associates. Several candidates claimed they paid him directly or through intermediaries.
ED raids and recovery
The ED conducted multiple raids at Saha’s residence in Murshidabad before arresting him. During searches, investigators reportedly found incriminating documents. They also seized mobile phones and digital records. Sources suggest that these records point to money transactions linked to the recruitment racket.
Officials revealed that some candidates testified against Saha. They alleged that he demanded money in return for teaching jobs. Based on this testimony, the ED tightened its probe.
The agency now plans to trace the financial trail further. They are trying to identify bank accounts and properties that might have been used to launder money.
Trinamool Congress reacts
The arrest has sparked sharp reactions in Bengal’s political circles. The Trinamool Congress distanced itself from Saha. Party leaders said that individuals must face the law if they are guilty. However, they also accused central agencies of targeting opposition voices.
A senior Trinamool leader argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is misusing agencies like the ED and CBI. According to him, the motive is to weaken the ruling party in Bengal ahead of elections.
On the other hand, BJP leaders welcomed the arrest. They said that corruption under Trinamool’s rule has been exposed again. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a strong critic of Bengal’s ruling party, also reacted on social media. He stated that “truth cannot stay hidden forever.”
Impact on Bengal politics
The arrest of Jiban Krishna Saha has further complicated the political climate in West Bengal. The opposition has accused the ruling party of running a government steeped in corruption. BJP leaders claim that every new arrest proves their point about a “scam-driven system.”
Political observers believe the issue will dominate upcoming polls. For the ruling party, it poses a challenge as several leaders face probes. For the opposition, it becomes a campaign tool.
Meanwhile, the state’s teaching aspirants continue to protest. Many say that despite exposing the scam, they have not yet received justice. They demand quick recruitment for deserving candidates who cleared exams fairly.
SSC scam timeline
The scam came to light when job aspirants staged protests across the state. They alleged that the Staff Selection Commission manipulated lists of qualified candidates.
The Calcutta High Court ordered an investigation. Soon, the ED and CBI entered the probe. Their investigation revealed links between recruitment and political leaders. Raids unearthed huge cash, properties, and valuables tied to the scam.
Partha Chatterjee’s arrest last year shocked the state. His aide’s house contained nearly Rs 50 crore in cash, gold, and documents. That arrest led investigators to other politicians. Now, with Jiban Krishna Saha in custody, the ED believes they are closer to unraveling the wider network.
What lies ahead
The ED has sought Saha’s custody for detailed interrogation. Investigators want to confront him with seized documents and testimonies. They believe he acted as a key link in the scam. Officials plan to trace whether he sent money to senior leaders or kept it for himself.
The court will decide the duration of his custody. If found guilty, Saha could face charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Public anger grows
While the political blame game continues, ordinary citizens express frustration. Many say the scam has crushed the dreams of deserving candidates. Protests by aspirants continue in Kolkata and other cities. They argue that their careers are at stake due to corrupt practices.
Public anger also reflects in social media discussions. Hashtags demanding justice for qualified candidates are trending. Many users criticize the ruling party for failing to maintain fairness in recruitment.
The ED arrests Trinamool MLA Jiban Krishna Saha in a case that continues to rock Bengal’s political and social landscape. His detention adds another chapter to the ongoing SSC recruitment scam.
For now, the investigation is far from over. With every new arrest, the case uncovers deeper layers of corruption. It also sets the stage for a fierce political battle ahead of elections.