Calcutta HC extends bail for ‘Kalighat-er Kaku,’ restricts security deployment at his home

The Calcutta High Court has extended interim bail for Sujaykrishna Bhadra, also known as ‘Kalighat Ke Kaku,’ until April 30 in connection with the West Bengal teacher recruitment scam. The court issued directives regarding his health, movement, and access to basic facilities after hearing complaints about restrictions imposed due to the deployment of central security forces at his residence.

On Monday, Bhadra’s medical report was submitted to the court, detailing multiple health issues that restrict his mobility. His legal counsel stated that he was facing difficulties due to security personnel stationed inside his home. He alleged that he was not allowed to meet anyone other than his doctor and had to share a single toilet with security personnel, causing him significant inconvenience.

The division bench of Justice Arijit Bandyopadhyay questioned the necessity of stationing central forces inside his residence and sought clarification from the CBI and the central government. In response, the CBI argued that Bhadra’s flat is large, and security personnel were deployed due to safety concerns. The court then examined the situation and issued specific instructions to balance security measures with the accused’s living conditions.

The court ordered that Bhadra be allowed to use a ground-floor toilet separately from security personnel. It also instructed that the deployment of central forces be restricted to the ground floor only. Additionally, a bank official must be permitted to visit him for financial transactions, addressing concerns over his inability to manage essential banking work.

With these directives, Bhadra has been granted some relief while the investigation into his role in the alleged teacher recruitment scam continues. The CBI’s probe remains active, and further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.