Kolkata, 7 January (HS): In the teacher recruitment scam case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has framed charges against 53 individuals, including Kuntal Ghosh and Arpita Mukherjee. On Tuesday, all accused appeared in the special ED court and claimed innocence. Some even alleged political conspiracy. Kuntal Ghosh’s statement, comparing himself to the iconic character Charandas from a Satyajit Ray story, sparked significant attention.Kuntal’s Remark: A Tale of Protest and AllegationsDefending himself in court, Ghosh claimed, “Charandas sang songs and was imprisoned. Similarly, I am a victim of political vendetta for speaking against the BJP and the central government. I am innocent and have no involvement in this scam.” The judge retorted, “Save such statements for public rallies; they hold no value here.”Arpita Mukherjee, another accused, denied any knowledge of illegal activities, stating, “I was neither involved with any government agency nor aware of the money discovered. I have no role in any unethical act.” The judge, however, pointed out her alleged role in hiding crucial documents linked to the scam.Judge Highlights EvidenceThe judge firmly stated that the ED has presented substantial evidence to frame charges against all accused. He reminded Kalyanmoy Bhattacharya, the son-in-law of former minister Partha Chatterjee, of his alleged involvement in misusing funds through the Babli Memorial Trust. Other accused, including Manik Bhattacharya’s son and wife, also denied charges, only to be reminded of their links to disproportionate assets.The charges cover 28 companies and a range of individuals accused of embezzlement and corruption in teacher recruitment.

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh