The Enforcement Directorate has conducted searches at nine locations in and around Kolkata as part of its investigation into the West Bengal Municipality Recruitment Scam.
The searches, carried out on June 13, covered premises linked to several individuals, including the office and residence of Madan Mitra, MLA and former Transport Minister of West Bengal.
According to the agency, incriminating documents, property-related records and digital devices were recovered and seized during the operation.
Probe Emerged From Teacher Recruitment Case
The ED said its investigation stems from a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation following directions issued by the Calcutta High Court.
The municipality recruitment probe reportedly emerged from evidence recovered during earlier searches conducted in 2023 in connection with the Primary Teachers Recruitment Scam.
Those searches were carried out at premises linked to Ayan Sil and others, where digital and documentary evidence was seized.
Irregularities Allegedly Found Across Municipalities
According to the ED, scrutiny of seized material suggested that alleged irregularities were not limited to teacher recruitment.
The agency said evidence indicated possible manipulation in appointments made by multiple municipalities, including:
- Kanchrapara
- New Barrackpore
- Kamarhati
- Titagarh
- Baranagar
- Halisahar
- South Dum Dum
- North Dum Dum
The investigation covers recruitment to several posts, including Mazdoors, Sweepers, Clerks, Peons, Ambulance Attendants, Assistant Mistresses, Pump Operators, Helpers, Sanitary Assistants and Drivers.
ED Alleges Role of ABS Infozon Pvt. Ltd.
The ED alleged that contracts related to recruitment work for various municipalities were awarded to M/s ABS Infozon Pvt. Ltd.
The company’s director was identified as Ayan Sil.
According to the agency, the contracts involved printing question papers and OMR sheets, evaluating candidate marks and preparing merit lists.
OMR Sheet Manipulation Alleged
The ED claimed that Ayan Sil and others, including public servants and political leaders, entered into a criminal conspiracy to facilitate illegal appointments in exchange for money.
The agency alleged that OMR sheets were manipulated to secure appointments for unmeritorious candidates in several municipalities.
It further stated that the company responsible for printing, designing and evaluating OMR sheets allegedly abused its position to influence recruitment outcomes.
Earlier Arrests in the Case
The ED noted that it had earlier arrested Sujit Bose, former MLA and former minister from West Bengal, in connection with the case on May 11, 2026.
According to the agency, Bose is currently in judicial custody.
The ED has also filed a prosecution complaint against Ayan Sil before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in Kolkata.
Investigation Still Underway
The agency said further investigation into the municipality recruitment scam is continuing.
Officials are expected to examine the documents, property records and digital devices seized during the latest searches.
The probe may focus on money trails, recruitment records, contract approvals and alleged links between private entities, public servants and political figures.
Why Strong Audits Matter in Public Recruitment
Recruitment systems involving public posts require strict transparency, verified documentation and independent oversight.
When contracts, evaluation processes or merit lists are handled without strong controls, the risk of manipulation increases. Professional auditing services in india can help institutions review internal processes, verify records and strengthen accountability in sensitive administrative systems.
Shunyatax Global Insight
At Shunyatax Global, we believe public trust depends on transparent systems and strong compliance checks. The Bengal municipality recruitment probe highlights why documentation, audit trails and independent review are essential in government-linked processes.
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