Kolkata, May 12: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose in connection with the alleged municipal recruitment scam that has triggered major political controversy in the state.

According to ED officials, Bose was taken into custody after prolonged questioning regarding alleged irregularities in recruitment under the South Dum Dum Municipality. He is expected to be produced before a Special Court on Tuesday, where the central agency is likely to seek his custodial interrogation for further investigation.

Allegations of Cash-for-Jobs Network

The ED alleged that Bose had recommended nearly 150 candidates for various municipal posts in exchange for monetary benefits. Investigators suspect that several appointments were made illegally through a cash-for-jobs racket that operated within the municipality over a period of time.

Sources within the agency claimed that candidates seeking government-linked municipal jobs were allegedly asked to pay hefty sums to secure appointments. The ED believes the recruitment process bypassed transparency and merit-based selection norms.

Properties and Bank Transactions Under Scanner

During the course of the investigation, the agency reportedly traced what it described as “proceeds of crime” linked to the case. Officials alleged that multiple flats and immovable properties were acquired in return for facilitating municipal appointments.

Investigators further claimed that unusually large cash deposits were detected in several bank accounts allegedly associated with Bose and individuals linked to the recruitment process. Financial documents, property records and digital evidence are now being examined to establish the money trail.

Political Storm Intensifies in Bengal

The arrest has intensified the political battle in West Bengal, with opposition parties targeting the ruling TMC over alleged corruption in recruitment-related matters. The BJP accused the state government of allowing large-scale irregularities in public appointments, while the TMC maintained that the law should take its own course and that the party would respond after examining the details of the case.

The municipal recruitment scam is among several recruitment-related investigations currently being pursued by central agencies in West Bengal, including alleged irregularities in school and civic body appointments.

ED Continues Probe

Officials said the probe is still underway and further arrests or summons could follow based on fresh evidence and financial records recovered during the investigation. The ED is also examining whether a wider network of middlemen and officials was involved in facilitating illegal appointments across municipal bodies in the state.