India’s Anti Money Laundering Watchdog, The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office, has taken a significant step in the ongoing investigation of the Assistant Teachers Recruitment scam in West Bengal. It has filed prosecution complaint against 106 LLPs and Companies owned by Prasanna Kumar Roy.
On 18.04.2024, ED filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, before the Hon’ble Special PMLA Court, Kolkata. The complaint names Prasanna Kumar Roy, Santi Prasad Sinha, and 106 other LLPs/Companies controlled by Prasanna Kumar Roy as defendants. The Hon’ble Special Court has taken cognizance of the PC on the same day.
The investigation by ED was initiated based on two FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The FIRs relate to the illegal appointment of Assistant Teachers in Class IX-X and Class XI-XII, where appointments were allegedly offered to undeserving, non-listed, and low-ranked candidates. This alleged conspiracy deprived deserving and genuine candidates of their rightful opportunities, violating relevant rules and fairness norms.
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According to CBI Chargesheets, a total of 2081 candidates (1135 for Classes IX-X + 946 for Classes XI-XII) were appointed/recommended illegally for the post of Assistant Teachers by officials of the West Bengal Central School Service Commission (WBCSSC), in criminal conspiracy with others.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
The West Bengal Assistant Teachers Recruitment Scam unfolded through a carefully orchestrated modus operandi that involved manipulation of rankings, appointments, financial irregularities, and legal repercussions. The scam, which came to light in July 2022, exposed a network of corruption within the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) and the state education department.
The scam began in 2014 with a notification for teacher appointments through the State Level Selection Test (SLST). However, the actual recruitment process started in 2016 under the tenure of Partha Chatterjee, the then-education minister. The irregularities primarily centred around the recruitment of group C and group D staff, as well as teachers, in government-run and aided schools in West Bengal.
One of the key players in the scam was Santi Prasad Sinha, who allegedly sent false recommendation papers to SSC chairperson Kalyanmoy Ganguly. Ganguly, in turn, prepared false appointment letters, which were then sent to SSC head offices and handed over to the candidates. This manipulation led to candidates with lower marks being ranked higher in the appointment list, and some applicants who were not even on the merit list received appointment letters.
The scam also involved financial aspects, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducting raids on the close aides of Partha Chatterjee and recovering cash and jewellery worth over Rs. 21 crores. The total attachment in two teacher recruitment scams is over Rs. 365 crore.
The Calcutta High Court intervened and cancelled the illegal recruitment of approximately 24,000 teachers and non-teaching staff by the 2016 SSC. The court ordered them to return their salaries with interest and directed fresh appointments within 15 days for the affected categories of teachers and group C and D staffers.
ED Action on 106 LLPs and Companies
In connection with this case, ED had earlier arrested Prasanna Kumar Roy on 19/2/2024, identified as the main middleman involved in the alleged collection of money and details from candidates. He is found to be associated with 106 LLPs and Companies. Most of these companies operate out of Kolkata. Additionally, Santi Prasad Sinha, the then Advisor of WBCSSC, was arrested on 1/4/2024. Both are presently in judicial custody.
Earlier in the investigation, ED had provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs. 230.6 Crore, including land parcels and a flat, held in the name of Prasanna Kumar Roy, Santi Prasad Sinha, and various companies/LLPs controlled and operated by Prasanna Kumar Roy.
The investigation by ED is ongoing, with further developments expected as the case progresses.
