SSC Scam: Prime accused 'Kalighat'er Kaku' hospitalized, court proceedings delayed

The framing of charges in the special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Monday was delayed after accused Sujay Krishna Bhadra, also known as ‘Kalighat Ka Kaka,’ fell critically ill. Bhadra, an accused in Kolkata's high-profile school recruitment scam, was taken to the state-run SSKM Medical College and Hospital in an unconscious state from the Presidency Central Correctional Home in South Kolkata.

Sources indicate that Bhadra, who complained of uneasiness in the morning, fainted shortly after. He was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. Bhadra, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in May 2023, had earlier been granted bail by the Calcutta High Court in the ED case. However, he remained in custody after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested him as part of its parallel probe into the same school recruitment scam.

The CBI had previously held Bhadra in custody for three days for interrogation. However, his health reportedly declined during this time due to his refusal to eat or take prescribed medicines. The CBI opted not to seek an extension of his custody, citing his deteriorating condition.

The ED has linked Bhadra to significant financial irregularities in its investigation. In its fifth chargesheet, the agency disclosed seizing Rs 7.47 crore from a private corporate entity associated with Bhadra, with an additional Rs 2.70 crore seizure process underway.