ED raids Madan Mitra's multiple properties in municipal recruitment scam probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday conducted searches at eight locations in and around Kolkata as part of its investigation into the alleged municipal recruitment scam. Several properties linked to Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra were searched, including residences in Bhowanipore, Dakshineswar, Joka and Kalighat. The operation was carried out with the assistance of central security forces and was reportedly based on information obtained during the investigation of key accused Ayan Sil.

According to sources, ED officials began searches at Madan Mitra's Bhowanipore residence at around 6:00 a.m., while simultaneous operations were carried out at his other properties. At one flat in Joka, which residents said had not been visited by Mitra for the past 10 to 12 years, officials reportedly waited for more than one and a half hours before gaining access because the apartment was locked. Central forces remained deployed outside the premises during the searches.

Investigators are examining Madan Mitra's possible connection to alleged irregularities in municipal recruitment, particularly in Kamarhati Municipality. The case stems from the arrest of Ayan Sil on March 20, 2023. Authorities allege that Sil's company was involved in recruitment processes across seven municipalities in West Bengal, including appointments to posts such as Group D staff, typists and other municipal positions. The firm allegedly handled tasks including OMR sheet printing and interview management.

ED sources claimed that several documents, cash recovered from beneath a bed, and details of six bank accounts were found during the searches. Investigators are examining the seized materials as part of their effort to trace financial transactions and recruitment-related records linked to the case. Authorities allege that the recruitment process involved corruption worth several crores of rupees.

Apart from properties linked to Madan Mitra, ED officials also searched the residence of contractor Sanjib Ghosh on Beleghata Main Road and other locations in Behala, Santoshpur and Beleghata. Investigators are examining records related to government and municipal contracts as well as information obtained from earlier searches and statements recorded during the ongoing investigation.