ED, Kolkata has filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) under the provisions of PMLA, 2002 before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Kolkata against Prasanna Kumar Roy, Chandan Mondal & 18 others in the case of Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ Posts Recruitment scam in the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in the state of West Bengal on 22.01.2025

Purpose:
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office has filed a Prosecution Complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Prasanna Kumar Roy, Chandan Mondal & 18 others in connection with the Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ Posts Recruitment scam in the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC). The purpose of this action is to bring those responsible for the alleged illegal appointment of employees to justice.

The prosecution complaint was filed on January 22, 2025, and the Hon’ble Special Court has taken cognizance of it. This development marks a significant step in the investigation into the recruitment scam, which allegedly involved the appointment of undeserving candidates and depriving deserving ones.

Effects on Industry:
The Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ Posts Recruitment scam has had far-reaching consequences for the education sector in West Bengal. The alleged illegal appointments have compromised the integrity of the recruitment process, undermining public trust in the system. This development may lead to a broader examination of the WBSSC’s practices and procedures.

Moreover, the ED’s investigation and prosecution efforts are likely to set a precedent for future cases involving similar recruitment scams. As such, this update may have a ripple effect on the education sector as a whole, prompting reforms and increased transparency in the appointment process.

Relevant Stakeholders:
The stakeholders affected by this development include:

1. West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC): The WBSSC is at the center of this controversy, having allegedly allowed the illegal appointments to take place.
2. Applicants and Candidates: Those who were denied appointment due to the alleged scams may benefit from a thorough investigation and prosecution.
3. Public: The public interest in transparency and accountability will likely drive further scrutiny of the WBSSC’s practices.

Next Steps:
The next steps involve:

1. Continued Investigation: The ED must continue its investigation into the recruitment scam, gathering evidence and testimonies to build a strong case against those involved.
2. Prosecution Proceedings: The prosecution complaint filed by the ED will proceed in court, with Prasanna Kumar Roy, Chandan Mondal & 18 others facing charges under the PMLA.
3. Reforms within WBSSC: In light of this scandal, the WBSSC must review its recruitment procedures to ensure transparency and fairness.

Any Other Relevant Information:
Additional context includes:

1. Timeline: The ED’s investigation began in response to two FIRs filed by the CBI under various sections of the IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act.
2. Arrests and Attachments: Prasanna Kumar Roy and Chandan Mondal were arrested on November 28, 2024, and November 26, 2024, respectively, while immovable properties worth Rs. 163.20 Crore and Rs. 46.13 Lakh were attached in their name.
3. Total Attachments: The total value of attachments in this case stands at Rs. 163.66 Crore. Further investigation is underway to uncover more details about the alleged recruitment scam.