ED Arrests Former Bengal Minister Sujit Bose in Municipal Recruitment Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Sujit Bose, a former minister in the West Bengal government and a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), in connection with the alleged municipal recruitment scam. The arrest took place on Monday, May 11, 2026, after Bose was subjected to prolonged interrogation by the ED officials at their CGO Complex office in Salt Lake, Kolkata. According to ED sources, Bose is alleged to have illegally recommended approximately 150 candidates for various positions under the South Dum Dum Municipality. These recommendations were reportedly made in exchange for pecuniary benefits, suggesting a quid pro quo arrangement. The ED has stated that it has traced direct proceeds of crime, including flats acquired by Bose, which are believed to have been obtained in return for facilitating these alleged fraudulent appointments. Furthermore, the agency has also reportedly uncovered substantial cash deposits in bank accounts under Bose's control. This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into recruitment irregularities in West Bengal's municipalities. The scam is alleged to involve illegal appointments in numerous civic bodies across the state, with over 600 jobs suspected to be fraudulent. Sujit Bose, who previously served as the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, had been summoned by the ED on multiple occasions. He had initially evaded some of these summonses, citing election campaign commitments during the recent West Bengal Assembly polls. However, following a directive from the Calcutta High Court, Bose appeared before the ED on May 1, 2026, for questioning. The ED had previously conducted searches at several locations linked to Bose and his son, Samudra Bose, in connection with the alleged scam, recovering incriminating documents. The arrest comes shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the new government in West Bengal, following a significant electoral victory. Allegations of institutionalized corruption were a major campaign plank for the BJP during the elections. Bose, who lost his Bidhannagar Assembly seat in the recent elections, is a three-time former MLA from the constituency. The investigation into the municipal recruitment scam is seen as an extension of the probe into the school recruitment scam, with businessman Ayan Sil being a common link between both cases. Sujit Bose is expected to be produced before a special PMLA court on May 12, 2026, where the ED is likely to seek his custodial remand for further interrogation. The ED has stated that the investigation is ongoing and further questioning of individuals linked to the case is anticipated. The arrest is expected to intensify the political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the TMC in West Bengal. The recruitment irregularities are alleged to have occurred during Bose's tenure as Vice-Chairman of the South Dum Dum Municipality between 2010 and 2021.

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