CBI investigates missing 89 recruitment files in South Dumdum and Baranagar Municipalities scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is intensifying its probe into the recruitment scam in West Bengal’s municipalities, focusing on missing appointment files from South Dumdum and Baranagar municipalities. Officials reported that 29 Group-C recruitment files from South Dumdum and 60 Group-D files from Baranagar are unaccounted for. These files relate to recruitment drives conducted during the respective municipal hiring processes.

South Dumdum municipal officials informed the CBI that only former chairman Pachu Ray could provide relevant information about the missing files. When contacted, Ray denied involvement, stating, “These things happened a long time ago. I don’t remember anything now. The current responsible persons may know.” Baranagar municipal officials similarly told the investigators they had no information on the missing records.

The recruitment scam came to light following allegations that ineligible candidates were appointed in exchange for money across multiple municipalities in West Bengal. The CBI initiated a state-wide investigation, uncovering significant irregularities, particularly in North 24 Parganas district municipalities. The absence of these important documents has raised concerns within the investigation.

The CBI is currently questioning municipal officials to recover the missing files and understand the circumstances of their disappearance. The agency suspects the loss may be deliberate and has indicated that further interrogations of officials from both municipalities are likely in the coming days as the inquiry progresses.