KOLKATA
Two prominent former West Bengal ministers, Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, skipped their scheduled questioning with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The central agency had summoned the pair to their Salt Lake headquarters to answer questions regarding an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within municipal recruitment processes.
Both leaders provided separate reasons for their absence. Rathin Ghosh, who recently won a closely contested seat in Madhyamgram, informed officials that he is currently bedridden. He reportedly suffered a leg injury after slipping at home and has been advised by doctors to take ten days of complete rest. Meanwhile, Sujit Bose, who lost his seat in the Bidhannagar constituency, claimed he was too busy assisting party workers affected by recent post-poll violence to attend the hearing.
This is not the first time the duo has avoided the agency. Throughout the election season, both sought multiple extensions, citing their busy campaign schedules. While the Calcutta High Court had previously ordered Mr. Bose to cooperate leading to a nine-hour interrogation session earlier this month, he is now requesting even more time. Mr. Ghosh’s home was previously searched by investigators back in late 2023.
The ED is investigating claims that jobs were illegally sold within various local civic bodies. Investigators are now expected to issue fresh dates for both men to appear. As the probe intensifies, the agency remains determined to uncover the full extent of the alleged hiring scam that has rocked the state’s political landscape.