Partha Chatterjee's son-in-law, granted anticipatory bail in recruitment scam case

Kalyanmay Bhattacharya, the son-in-law of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, was granted anticipatory bail by a special CBI court on Monday in connection with the ongoing recruitment corruption case. Bhattacharya, who was named in the fifth charge sheet, appeared before the court in person after returning to India from the United States. His appearance follows multiple rounds of questioning by investigating agencies about his involvement in the case, which alleges illegal appointments to various government posts in West Bengal.

The court, presided over by Judge Shubendu Saha, granted anticipatory bail after confirming that Bhattacharya had not been arrested. When questioned, Bhattacharya confirmed he had been interrogated by authorities. The court imposed a condition that Bhattacharya cannot leave India without prior permission from the court. Bhattacharya had requested to travel to the United States, where his office is set to reopen on January 2, but this request was denied by the court.

The recruitment scam, which has been under investigation by central agencies, led to the discovery of an elite school in Pingla, West Bengal, allegedly linked to Bhattacharya. The school, reportedly owned by Partha Chatterjee's wife, had Bhattacharya serving as its chairman. This connection prompted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to summon Bhattacharya multiple times, with one such appearance taking place in 2022. Investigations revealed that the school was allegedly used as a conduit in the recruitment irregularities. Bhattacharya's role in the school and his alleged involvement in the corruption case have led to his questioning by various investigative agencies.

The ongoing investigation into the recruitment scam has seen several prominent figures, including Bhattacharya and his father-in-law Partha Chatterjee, come under scrutiny. Chatterjee has been arrested in connection with the case and is facing charges related to illegal recruitment practices. The case involves allegations of money laundering and misuse of office in relation to appointments in the West Bengal School Service Commission and other recruitment bodies. The investigation is continuing, with more individuals expected to be questioned as the process of framing charges progresses.