Kolkata, 11 June (H.S.): A large cache of cash amounting to Rs 1.44 crore was recovered during a search operation at an English-medium private school in Kanchrapara in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, triggering a major controversy. The operation, which began late Wednesday night, continued until around 4 a.m. on Thursday.

According to sources, the cash was found inside an almirah located in the school's sick room. Condom packets were also reportedly recovered from the same location, adding a new dimension to the controversy.

The development comes amid an initiative launched by Bijpur MLA Sudipta Das to create a database of educational institutions in his constituency following the change in government in the state. During the course of the exercise, information regarding the school reportedly came to the attention of the MLA's representatives, prompting further scrutiny.

Sudipta Das later visited the school and informed the police. Following the complaint, personnel from the local police station and central forces reached the premises and initiated a search operation.

Currency-counting machines were brought to the school during the night to verify the amount recovered. Initially, two machines were used, while an additional machine was later brought in to expedite the counting process. Sources said the counting was completed by around 4:30 a.m., with the total amount recovered reaching approximately Rs 1.44 crore.

Reacting to the recovery, BJP MLA Sudipta Das compared the incident to the cash recovery case involving former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee. He alleged that complaints regarding irregularities at the institution had been received for a considerable period and that the discovery of such a large amount of cash had raised serious questions.

The MLA further claimed that the recovered money did not belong to the school and alleged that it could be unaccounted cash belonging to certain political figures, allegedly hidden at the institution to avoid scrutiny by investigating agencies. He also called for an investigation into the role of certain influential individuals associated with the school's management. No response from those named by the MLA was available at the time of filing this report.

School Principal Bikash Chandra Pal, however, denied all allegations and maintained that the recovered money belonged to the institution. According to him, the amount comprised admission fees and other collections received from students. He said the funds had accumulated since April and were scheduled to be deposited in a bank, with the accounts department responsible for handling the cash.

Responding to questions regarding the reported recovery of condom packets from the sick room almirah, the principal said he had no knowledge of the matter and was unaware of how the items came to be there.

Police sources said an investigation is underway to determine the source of the money, the reason for keeping such a large amount of cash on the school premises, and other related aspects of the case. During questioning, alleged inconsistencies in statements reportedly emerged, following which school cashier Abhik Nath and assistant accountant Sayan Ghosh were taken into custody by Bijpur Police for further interrogation.

Police said the complete picture would emerge only after the investigation is concluded.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh