ED Raids TMC MLA In West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Case, Birbhum Man’s Financial Transactions Provide Lead

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out a raid at the home of Trinamool Congress (TMC) member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jiban Krishna Saha in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, on Monday (25 August).

A senior officer told The New Indian Express that this action is part of their investigation into alleged discrepancies in the hiring process of schoolteachers.

Upon learning of the impending raid, the legislator reportedly attempted to escape from his residence by climbing over the boundary wall of the property, according to the source.

"The MLA was chased and caught by our officers in a nearby area. Now, our officers are interrogating him," the ED officer told PTI.

He stated that a raid was conducted based on data related to a financial transaction by a man from Birbhum district, linked to the supposed scam involving the recruitment of schoolteachers.

"The individual from Birbhum district accompanied the ED team to Saha's house this morning," the officer was quoted as saying.

Previously, the central investigative agency had interrogated Saha's wife regarding her involvement in the scam.

In April 2023, Saha was apprehended by the CBI for his alleged involvement in the school recruitment fraud. In May of this year, he was granted bail and released.

The alleged scam is currently being scrutinised by the ED for potential money laundering elements, while the CBI is conducting an investigation into the possible criminal connections related to it.