Court Rejects Bail Plea of TMC MLA: In a significant development in the West Bengal school jobs scam, a special court on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Jiban Krishna Saha, who has been in judicial custody since April in connection with allegations of illegal recruitment and bribery in the state’s school teacher appointment process.
The court’s order marks another setback for the legislator, who represents the Burwan constituency in Murshidabad district, and is among several high-profile figures from the ruling party currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
According to court officials, Saha’s bail was denied on the grounds that the investigation is still in progress and that releasing the accused at this stage could “influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.”
Background: The Expanding Web of the West Bengal School Jobs Scam
The West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scam has emerged as one of the largest corruption cases in the state’s recent history.
The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the appointment of assistant teachers and non-teaching staff in government-aided schools between 2014 and 2021, when thousands of candidates allegedly secured posts by paying bribes or leveraging political connections instead of qualifying through the official examination process.
Investigations by the CBI and ED have already led to the arrest of several senior political leaders, including former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, his aide Arpita Mukherjee, and other TMC legislators.
Saha’s involvement, according to CBI sources, came to light after recovered documents, mobile data, and statements from intermediary agents pointed to his role in facilitating illegal recruitment through the Murshidabad district network.
“The agency has found multiple digital evidences and call records linking Saha to the recruitment racket. Large sums of money were collected through intermediaries in exchange for recommending names,” a CBI official said on condition of anonymity.
Court Rejects Bail Plea of TMC MLA: The Case Against Jiban Krishna Saha
The CBI’s chargesheet alleges that Saha acted as a link between local middlemen and key officials within the Education Department. He allegedly used his political influence to manipulate teacher selection lists and ensured postings for candidates who paid bribes.
During an earlier search operation, officials reportedly recovered bundles of cash, mobile phones, and documents from properties linked to Saha and his associates.
The ED, which is probing the money-laundering aspect of the scam, claims that funds collected through illegal means were invested in real estate and other assets across Murshidabad and neighbouring districts.
“Saha’s financial records show unexplained cash deposits and property transactions inconsistent with his declared income,” stated an ED official familiar with the case.
The legislator has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming the charges are “politically motivated.” His lawyers argued that he has cooperated with the investigators and that continued detention violates his right to liberty.
However, the special court observed that the evidence presented so far “prima facie indicates active participation” and refused to grant bail.
Court’s Observations on the Bail Plea
The special judge, while pronouncing the order, stated that the investigation remains incomplete, and several crucial witnesses are yet to be examined.
The court remarked:
“The accused, being a person of political influence, has the potential to interfere with the investigation process if released. Hence, bail cannot be granted at this juncture.”
Legal experts note that the court’s reasoning aligns with established judicial precedent, where bail is denied in cases involving serious economic offences until key evidence has been collected and verified.
The CBI also presented fresh digital evidence allegedly linking Saha to multiple candidates who were recruited illegally between 2016 and 2020. The court directed the agency to submit its supplementary chargesheet within the next month.
Political Fallout and Party Response
The rejection of Saha’s bail plea has intensified political tension in Bengal, with the opposition BJP and Congress accusing the ruling TMC of shielding corruption.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari commented:
“The court’s decision proves what we have been saying all along — that this government is neck-deep in corruption. Every time the investigation moves forward, another TMC leader gets exposed.”
The Trinamool Congress, however, defended Saha and reiterated that the law must take its own course.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said:
“The party has full faith in the judiciary. Jiban Krishna Saha’s case is sub judice, and we will not comment further. The opposition is trying to politicise the issue.”
The TMC leadership has maintained that no party directive sanctioned illegal recruitment and that individuals accused in the scam must face the legal process independently.
Timeline: How the Case Unfolded
2014–2016: Alleged irregular recruitments begin under the School Service Commission’s selection process.
2018: Complaints from candidates surface; several petitions reach the Calcutta High Court demanding transparency.
2021: The High Court orders the CBI to investigate alleged anomalies in Group C and D recruitments.
2022: The ED joins the probe to track money trails. Former minister Partha Chatterjee is arrested along with his aide Arpita Mukherjee.
April 2023: CBI arrests Jiban Krishna Saha, MLA from Burwan, after seizing incriminating evidence from his residence.
2024–2025: Multiple charge sheets filed. Bail petitions of several accused, including Saha, rejected.
Legal Context and Ongoing Investigations
The CBI continues to examine recruitment records, digital data, and bank transactions related to the case.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is pursuing the money trail aspect, investigating how bribe funds were laundered and diverted into assets.
Both agencies are coordinating with the Calcutta High Court, which is monitoring the investigation’s progress.
Legal analysts say that as the scam involves thousands of beneficiaries and complex financial transactions, the case could take years to reach final judgment.
According to the ED’s interim report, at least ₹350 crore may have been exchanged through various channels as part of the illegal recruitment racket.
Impact on the Education System
The recruitment scandal has had far-reaching effects on West Bengal’s education sector.
Thousands of legitimate candidates who cleared examinations have alleged that they were unfairly excluded due to corruption. The state government, under pressure from the court, has since cancelled many appointments found to be irregular.
A senior official from the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) stated that the department is working to restore integrity in the recruitment system through new digital verification measures and merit-based assessments.
“We are committed to transparent selection through technology-driven systems to prevent political interference,” said the official.
Public and Civil Society Reactions
Public anger has grown as the investigation expands. Civil rights groups and student organisations have demanded swift justice and reforms to prevent future scams.
Siliguri-based education activist Sujata Dutta said:
“The scam is not just about money; it’s about betrayal of young people’s trust. Hundreds of qualified candidates have lost opportunities.”
Demonstrations have been held across Kolkata and districts like Nadia and Murshidabad, calling for strict punishment of those involved regardless of party affiliation.
The Political and Administrative Fallout
The school jobs scam has become a political flashpoint in West Bengal’s governance narrative.
With several TMC leaders under investigation, opposition parties have sought to portray the ruling party as morally compromised.
At the same time, the scandal has eroded public confidence in government recruitment systems. Political observers believe the issue could significantly influence upcoming panchayat and Assembly elections, as voters continue to express frustration with corruption.
Possible Next Steps for Jiban Krishna Saha
Saha’s legal team is expected to approach the Calcutta High Court seeking bail. If denied again, they may appeal to the Supreme Court of India.
The case will likely hinge on how much additional evidence the CBI and ED can present in their supplementary charge sheets.
If convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Saha could face imprisonment of up to seven years along with disqualification from holding public office.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead in the West Bengal School Jobs Scam
The rejection of Jiban Krishna Saha’s bail plea underscores the judiciary’s tough stance on corruption and the continuing gravity of the West Bengal school jobs scam.
As the CBI and ED pursue deeper layers of the racket, the scandal remains a test of the state’s commitment to transparency and public accountability.
For now, Saha’s continued incarceration signals that the investigation is far from over — and that political ripples from the recruitment scam will continue to shape West Bengal’s political discourse in the months ahead.
External Reference Links
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): https://cbi.gov.in
- Enforcement Directorate (ED): https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in
- Supreme Court of India: https://main.sci.gov.in
- West Bengal School Service Commission Recruitment Scam (Background): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Bengal_School_Service_Commission_recruitment_scam
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