ED Attaches ₹57.78 Crore Properties of TMC MLA in West Bengal School Recruitment Scam
Apartments, Villas, and Land Linked to Proceeds of Crime Seized
Recruitment Scam Assets Attachment Crosses ₹698 Crore in Total
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 23, 2026:
In a major development in the West Bengal school recruitment scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable properties worth ₹57.78 crore belonging to Trinamool Congress MLA Jiban Krishna Saha, alleged middleman Prasanna Kumar Roy, and their associates. The assets, spread across multiple districts including Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, and Purba Bardhaman, were allegedly acquired through illegal proceeds generated from the recruitment of assistant teachers in Classes IX to XII.
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This attachment, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), raises the total value of properties seized in the scam to ₹698 crore, marking one of the largest crackdowns in recent years.
Details of Attached Properties
- Multiple residential apartments and villas in Rajarhat, New Town, Patharghata, and Garagari.
- Land parcels in Murshidabad and Purba Bardhaman districts, including HIDCO-developed areas of Kolkata.
- Properties allegedly purchased using shell companies to conceal the source of funds.
Nexus and Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that:
- The scam involved illegal appointments of assistant teachers in state-aided schools.
- Money collected from candidates was laundered through real estate investments.
- Middlemen like Prasanna Kumar Roy played a key role in channelling funds.
- The ED’s probe was based on CBI FIRs registered on Calcutta High Court’s directions.
Political and Legal Implications
- The case has intensified scrutiny on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with opposition parties alleging deep-rooted corruption.
- MLA Jiban Krishna Saha had earlier been arrested by the ED, and the latest attachment strengthens the case against him.
- The High Court continues to monitor investigations, ensuring accountability in recruitment processes.
Why This Matters
For Governance
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- Highlights the scale of corruption in public recruitment systems.
- Raises questions about transparency in state-aided school appointments.
For Citizens
- Undermines trust in education and governance.
- Shows how public money and bribes were allegedly diverted into luxury assets.
For Politics
- Adds pressure on the ruling party in West Bengal.
- Provides opposition with ammunition to demand stricter accountability.
Expert Opinions
- Legal Analysts: Stress that the attachment under PMLA is a strong step toward recovering proceeds of crime.
- Educationists: Warn that scams in recruitment damage the credibility of the teaching profession.
- Political Commentators: Note that the case could have long-term electoral implications in West Bengal.
Broader Context
The school recruitment scam is part of a larger pattern of corruption cases in West Bengal, including irregularities in teacher appointments and misuse of public funds. With total attachments now crossing ₹698 crore, the ED’s actions highlight the magnitude of financial irregularities.
Challenges Ahead
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- Legal Proceedings: Courts must ensure speedy trials to deliver justice.
- Political Fallout: The ruling party faces increasing criticism and pressure.
- Systemic Reform: Stronger checks are needed in recruitment processes to prevent future scams.
Conclusion
The ED’s attachment of ₹57.78 crore worth of properties linked to TMC MLA Jiban Krishna Saha and associates marks a critical step in unravelling the West Bengal school recruitment scam. With assets now totalling nearly ₹700 crore, the case underscores the scale of corruption and the urgent need for reforms in recruitment and governance.
This development not only strengthens the legal case but also intensifies political debate in West Bengal, where education and transparency remain key public concerns.
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