Kolkata, 04 June (H.S.) : Former West Bengal minister and Trinamool Congress leader Sujit Bose, currently in judicial custody in connection with the municipal recruitment scam, has moved an application before a special court seeking “Grade-One prisoner” status. His counsel submitted the plea during a virtual hearing held on Thursday, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) formally opposed the request in writing.

During the proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General Dhiraj Trivedi, appearing for the ED, informed the court that the accused have already approached the High Court in the matter. He also stated that notices had been issued for questioning to Nityananda Dutta, vice-chairman of South Dum Dum Municipality and a close associate of Sujit Bose, but he has sought exemption citing medical treatment in Hyderabad and has not yet appeared for questioning.

The ED further submitted that during the investigation, a list of candidates linked to the recruitment process had been recovered along with several digital devices seized from multiple locations. The agency argued that recent inputs require further interrogation, but several individuals have failed to respond to repeated summons. The ED also alleged that Sujit Bose is a “highly influential political figure,” which, according to the agency, is hampering the investigation process.

On the other hand, counsel for Sujit Bose argued that his client’s name does not appear in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheet and that there is no reference to any financial transactions involving him. The defence further contended that statements of co-accused also do not establish any direct role of Sujit Bose in the alleged offence.

After hearing submissions from both sides, the court continued further proceedings in the matter.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh