Abhishek Banerjee Defiant After 11-Hour ED Grilling in School Scam
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee faced an 11-hour interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged West Bengal school recruitment scam. Emerging defiant, Banerjee stated he would not 'bow to BJP,' accusing central agencies of political targeting.
Key Highlights
- TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee grilled by ED for 11 hours.
- Questioning linked to West Bengal school jobs scam probe.
- Banerjee declared defiance, stating he won't bow to BJP.
- Investigation focuses on alleged money laundering trail.
- Interrogation followed a CID probe in a separate case.
- Banerjee accused central agencies of political vendetta.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary and Member of Parliament (MP) Abhishek Banerjee underwent an extensive 11-hour interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Kolkata on Monday, June 15, 2026, as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation into the alleged primary school teacher recruitment scam in West Bengal. Banerjee arrived at the ED's CGO Complex office in Salt Lake around 11 AM and departed at approximately 10 PM.
Upon leaving the ED office, Banerjee adopted a defiant stance, declaring that he would not "cower down" or "surrender to the BJP" even if his throat were slit. He reiterated his commitment to fighting for the people's interests and maintained that those who do so "will neither bow to pressure nor surrender." This statement, reflecting a consistent position he has taken during previous interrogations, accused the central government of misusing investigative agencies for political purposes and attempting to establish an opposition-less political system in West Bengal.
The ED's questioning focused on the alleged money trail connected to the school jobs scam, including financial documents, digital records, statements from other accused individuals, and transactions related to 'Leaps and Bounds Pvt Ltd,' a company where Banerjee previously served as a director. Investigators are particularly scrutinizing how funds moved across various accounts and entities and whether these transactions were layered to conceal their origins.
This marks the latest in a series of interrogations for Banerjee concerning the recruitment scam, having appeared before the agency multiple times since 2023. The ED's probe into the irregularities in primary teacher recruitment dates back to 2022 and has already seen the arrest of several prominent figures, including former state education minister Partha Chatterjee, and the attachment of assets worth crores of rupees. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also conducting a parallel probe into other aspects of the case, having previously named 'Abhishek Banerjee' in a supplementary chargesheet regarding alleged demands for money in illegal appointments.
The marathon ED session on Monday followed a separate eight-hour questioning by the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) the previous day (Sunday, June 14, 2026) regarding an alleged forgery of Trinamool Congress MLAs' signatures on documents related to the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly. Banerjee was also scheduled to appear before the CID again on Tuesday for a different case, adding to the mounting legal pressure he is facing.
The Trinamool Congress MP has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting his cooperation with the investigations while maintaining that these probes are politically motivated. The ongoing investigations highlight the intensifying political tensions and blame game in West Bengal, with the TMC alleging a 'witch hunt' by central agencies orchestrated by the BJP.
The Supreme Court had previously allowed Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment in August 2026, despite West Bengal's apprehension that he might not return, underscoring the legal complexities surrounding his situation. The current grilling and Banerjee's strong reactions further fuel the political discourse in India, particularly in West Bengal, regarding the independence of central investigative agencies and alleged political interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abhishek Banerjee and why was he questioned by the ED?
Abhishek Banerjee is the General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and an MP from Diamond Harbour. He was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged money laundering probe linked to the West Bengal primary school teacher recruitment scam.
What is the West Bengal school recruitment scam?
The West Bengal school recruitment scam involves alleged irregularities and corruption in the hiring of primary teachers in state-run schools. The probe agencies suspect large-scale irregularities, manipulation of merit lists, fraudulent recruitment practices, and financial gains through illegal appointments.
What was Abhishek Banerjee's reaction after the ED interrogation?
After the 11-hour grilling, Abhishek Banerjee emerged defiant, stating he would not "cower down" or "surrender to the BJP." He accused central agencies of being used as political tools by the ruling party to target the opposition and suppress dissent.
How long was Abhishek Banerjee questioned and by which agency?
Abhishek Banerjee was questioned for approximately 11 hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a central investigative agency.
Has Abhishek Banerjee faced similar investigations before?
Yes, Abhishek Banerjee has been questioned multiple times by the ED and CBI in connection with the school jobs scam and other cases, including a coal scam. He has consistently maintained his innocence and alleged political vendetta.
