ED questions Abhishek Banerjee over audio recording cited in CBI chargesheet

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday questioned Trinamool Congress National General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee in connection with the West Bengal primary teacher recruitment scam. Banerjee arrived at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake ahead of the scheduled time and was subjected to sustained questioning as investigators examined allegations linked to the case.

According to sources, the ED's interrogation is centered on the third supplementary chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The chargesheet reportedly refers to a 15-minute audio conversation from 2017 in which the name "Abhishek Banerjee" is allegedly mentioned several times. Investigators are examining claims that the conversation included discussions regarding the collection of money in exchange for jobs and the distribution of those funds.

The case has already led to the arrests of Sujay Krishna Bhadra, also known as "Kalighat's Kaku", Shantanu Banerjee and Kuntal Ghosh. Investigating agencies have alleged that a meeting involving these individuals took place at Sujay Krishna Bhadra's residence in Behala in 2017. During the course of the investigation, the CBI reportedly recovered an audio recording from that period and later included it in its supplementary chargesheet.

The CBI has alleged that the recording contains discussions about collecting money from candidates seeking appointments in primary teacher recruitment. The chargesheet reportedly refers to conversations concerning the amount of money to be collected, the method of delivery and the distribution of funds. It also allegedly contains references to withholding appointments if money was not paid, threatening job aspirants with false cases and discussions involving other accused persons. The name of former minister Partha Chatterjee is also reportedly mentioned in the conversation. There is no official confirmation that the "Abhishek" referred to in the recording is Abhishek Banerjee.

Investigators are also examining alleged financial links between Sujay Krishna Bhadra and Leaps and Bounds, a company associated with Abhishek Banerjee. Sujay Krishna Bhadra previously worked for the company, and the ED has earlier questioned Banerjee regarding financial matters linked to it. Sources indicate that investigators may seek information about other business entities and related financial transactions as part of the ongoing probe. Abhishek Banerjee has previously denied any wrongdoing and described the allegations against him as politically motivated.