Calcutta HC directs CBI to investigate municipal recruitment scam in West Bengal
The Hindu
The ED told the High Court that common agents arrested in connection with the school jobs for bribes scam were also involved in alleged illegalities in municipality recruitments in West Bengal
The Calcutta High Court has directed the CBI to investigate an alleged scam in Municipal recruitments in West Bengal, taking note of the Enforcement Directorate's findings during its probe into the school jobs for bribes scam.
The ED told the High Court that common agents like one arrested Ayan Sil in connection with the school jobs for bribes scam were also involved in alleged illegalities in the recruitment of clerks, sweepers, peons, drivers, etc in various municipalities in West Bengal.
"I direct CBI to carry on investigation in the Municipality Recruitment Scam also which have got common agents like Ayan Sil and common beneficiaries and the victim in both the cases (that is the Education Scam and the Municipality Recruitment Scam) is public/common people at large," Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay said in the order.
In the order passed on April 21, he directed that if necessary, CBI may file one FIR for investigating the case relating to the alleged municipality recruitment scam which the court said was revealed from an application filed by ED. Justice Gangopadhyay directed the DGP of West Bengal and the State's Chief Secretary to instruct all departments concerned under them to help and assist the CBI and ED in their functioning while investigating the alleged scam in Municipal recruitments if so requested by the Central Agencies.
The court directed the CBI to file a report on April 28 to inform it of steps taken on the basis of this order.
The ED filed the application stating that while investigating the money trail in the teachers’ appointment scam, it came across the alleged scam in municipal recruitments in this State.
The ED stated that a separate FIR for investigation of the alleged Municipality recruitment scam under the relevant provisions of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act by the predicate agency (meaning thereby CBI) would be required.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.