CBI’s Chargesheet Unveils Explosive Evidence in West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scandal
Kolkata, March 7 – A sensational revelation has emerged in the West Bengal teacher recruitment scam, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitting fresh evidence in court. According to the latest CBI chargesheet, a 72.59-minute-long audio recording has surfaced, in which Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee’s name was mentioned a staggering 73 times.
The recording allegedly features a conversation between Sujay Krishna Bhadra, also known as “Kalighat’s Kaku”, and Kuntal Ghosh, a prime accused in the teacher recruitment scam. The disclosure of this audio tape has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, raising serious questions about the involvement of high-profile political figures in the scam.
The 2017 Recording: A Crucial Piece of Evidence
The recording dates back to 2017, when Kuntal Ghosh’s employee, Arvind Raiverman, was allegedly present at Sujay Krishna Bhadra’s residence in Behala, Kolkata. As per his statement to the CBI, Arvind was instructed by Kuntal to record the conversation on his mobile phone, later transferring it to his laptop.
The CBI successfully retrieved the audio file from a forensic laboratory in Cooch Behar and submitted it as evidence in court, linking it directly to the recruitment scam investigation. However, Arvind has claimed that the mobile phone used for recording is no longer in use and cannot be recovered.
The conversation reportedly involves seven individuals, including:
- Sujay Krishna Bhadra (“Kalighat’s Kaku”)
- Kuntal Ghosh and his wife
- Expelled TMC leader Shantanu Banerjee
- Agent Surajit Chandra
- Arvind Raiverman
What makes this recording particularly damning is the frequent mention of Abhishek Banerjee, suggesting his alleged awareness and involvement in the distribution of scam-related funds.
CBI Report: Was Abhishek Banerjee Aware of the Money Trail?
The CBI chargesheet claims that during the recorded conversation, Sujay Krishna Bhadra admitted that Abhishek Banerjee was aware of the illicit financial transactions related to the scam. According to the transcript, when funds from the recruitment scam were being distributed, Banerjee allegedly demanded his share.
Bhadra is quoted in the recording as saying:
“When the money from the recruitment scam was being allocated, Abhishek came to know about it and demanded his share.”
This explosive claim has intensified the political and legal scrutiny surrounding Banerjee, making this one of the most significant developments in the ongoing investigation.
The ₹15 Crore Demand: The Most Damaging Allegation Yet
The CBI chargesheet further alleges that Abhishek Banerjee demanded ₹15 crore, as revealed in the recorded conversation. The transcript reportedly captures a conversation where Sujay Krishna Bhadra recalls a discussion at the Kalighat office, where Banerjee allegedly said:
“Give ₹15 crore. I replied—Sir, no one will give money. Everyone has already paid ₹6.5 lakh each, why would they pay again?”
Additionally, another part of the conversation suggests that the ₹15 crore demand could have been fulfilled by collecting funds from 250 candidates, hinting at a systematic corruption in the teacher recruitment process.
These revelations, if proven true, could further escalate legal troubles for Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Abhishek Banerjee Responds: Political Vendetta or Genuine Investigation?
Following these revelations, Abhishek Banerjee has vehemently denied any involvement, dismissing the CBI’s claims as politically motivated. Addressing the media, the TMC MP accused the investigating agency of acting under political pressure.
Banerjee’s Key Arguments Against the CBI’s Claims:
- Lack of Concrete Evidence – He asserted that his name has been mentioned in the chargesheet, but there is no direct proof linking him to the scam.
- Ambiguity in References – Banerjee questioned, “Who exactly is this ‘Abhishek’ mentioned in the recording? Why hasn’t the CBI clearly identified him?”
- Political Conspiracy – His lawyer, Sanjay Basu, has claimed that the entire controversy is a well-orchestrated political conspiracy aimed at tarnishing Banerjee’s reputation.
Despite his defense, the CBI has already submitted the audio clip for forensic analysis, ensuring voice verification of all involved individuals. The agency has also collected voice samples of Sujay Krishna Bhadra, Kuntal Ghosh, and Shantanu Banerjee to authenticate the recording’s credibility.
What Happens Next? Legal and Political Implications
While Abhishek Banerjee has not yet received a summons from the CBI, his name appearing 73 times in the 72.59-minute recording raises serious legal and political challenges for him and the TMC.
Potential Legal Actions:
- The CBI may summon Banerjee for questioning if forensic evidence validates his alleged involvement.
- The investigation into the ₹15 crore demand could open new angles in the recruitment scam case.
- Further legal proceedings may strengthen the case against top TMC leaders, adding to the party’s existing legal battles.