Kolkata, 17 September (H.S.): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday accused former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee of violating bail conditions in connection with the multi-crore Staff Selection Commission (SSC) teachers' recruitment scam. The central investigating agency alleged that Chatterjee has failed to appear regularly at the CBI office as mandated by his bail terms. Consequently, the CBI has approached the special court at Bichar Bhavan in Kolkata regarding the matter.

During the proceedings, Chatterjee's lawyer cited his client's deteriorating health, stating that the former minister is unwell and requires frequent hospitalization. The defense counsel informed the court that an email had already been sent to the central agency requesting permission for virtual appearances. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for September 29.

Partha Chatterjee, a prime accused in the recruitment scam, was released on bail in November last year after spending three years, three months, and 19 days in custody. While granting him bail in September 2025, the Calcutta High Court had imposed several strict conditions, including a mandatory weekly appearance before the investigating officer. The High Court had clearly stated that the lower court holds the authority to revoke his bail if any of the conditions are violated, prompting the CBI to file the current complaint.

The High Court had granted bail to Chatterjee on a personal bond of Rs 10 lakh. The stipulated conditions required him to surrender his passport to the lower court, remain within the court's jurisdiction unless permitted otherwise, and attend every scheduled hearing. Furthermore, he was directed to refrain from intimidating witnesses or tampering with evidence, report to the investigating officer weekly, hold no government office, and stay away from any criminal activities.

The court strictly prohibited him from contacting any witnesses and mandated that he provide his mobile number to the court and the investigating agency, which cannot be changed without prior permission. However, he was granted the liberty to continue his duties as an MLA, although he did not receive a party ticket to contest the recently concluded state assembly elections.

The former Education Minister was initially arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in July 2022 for his alleged involvement in the massive SSC recruitment scam. On the day of his arrest, the ED recovered Rs 20 crore in cash from the residence of his close aide, Arpita Mukherjee, who was also taken into custody. Later, the CBI formally arrested both of them in the same corruption case. Arpita Mukherjee was granted bail in 2024.

Although the Calcutta High Court had granted bail to Partha Chatterjee in September last year, his release was delayed due to a Supreme Court directive. The apex court had ordered that the former minister should only be released after the trial court completed the examination of key witnesses within a two-month timeframe. Following the completion of this procedure, he was finally released from judicial custody on November 11, 2025.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh