The ED has alleged that transactions involving the company were linked to laundering of money allegedly received as bribes by Deshmukh from bar and hotel owners through co-accused, dismissed police officer Sachin Waze. (File Photo)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable properties worth about Rs 57.78 crore in connection with the West Bengal Central School Service Commission (SSC) assistant teacher recruitment scam, officials said Wednesday.
The total properties attachment by ED in the recruitment scam cases now stands at Rs. 698 crore.
The attached properties belong to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Jiban Krishna Saha, alleged middleman Prasanna Kumar Roy and his associates.
The properties, according to the ED, comprise multiple residential apartments, villas, and land parcels in Rajarhat, New Town, Patharghata, Garagari and other adjoining areas in North 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, and Purba Bardhaman districts, alongwith HIDCO-developed areas of Kolkata. The agency said the assets were acquired from the proceeds of crime generated through illegal appointments of assistant teachers.
ED launched an investigation based on the FIRs registered by the CBI on the Calcutta High Court’s directions.
The investigation pertains to “large-scale manipulation” in the recruitment process conducted by the SSC, including tampering with OMR sheets and personality-test scores, as well as making appointments after the expiry of panels in exchange for illegal gratification.
According to the probe agency Roy, who acted as the main middleman in the scam, along with his associates, collected huge amounts of cash from undeserving candidates for securing illegal appointments.
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“The proceeds of crime, amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees, were laundered through a complicated network of companies, LLPs and bank accounts, and were ultimately utilised for acquisition of immovable properties. ED probe revealed that Jiban Krishna Saha, MLA, TMC, a key accused in the assistant teacher recruitment scam, was actively involved in collection and handling of proceeds of crime collected from undeserving candidates for securing their appointments to the post of Group C, D and Assistant Teachers,” read the ED statement.
Saha was arrested in August 2025, after trying to flee during an ED search at his Murshidabad home. Investigation revealed he used laundered proceeds from the recruitment scam to buy properties worth Rs 3.01 crore in his and his family’s names, mainly in Murshidabad and Purba Bardhaman districts.
The probe also revealed that a large number of properties were acquired in the name of Nilima Mangal, a close associate and the former wife of Prasanna Kumar Roy. The investigation established that substantial funds used for acquisition of these properties were sourced from illegal recruitment scams, ED said in its statement.
Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats.
Experience & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal.
Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness.
Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics.
Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism.
Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage.
Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement.
Education
Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills.
Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College.
Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting.
Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region.
Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More