Ex-TMC minister Ghosh appears before ED in recruitment scam case

Former West Bengal food minister Rathin Ghosh on Friday appeared before the ED in connection with the alleged civic recruitment scam case after skipping summons on five earlier occasions.

Ghosh reached the ED office at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake around 10 am and said he was unaware of the reason behind the summons.

“I do not know why I have been called. I will know once I go inside,” he told reporters before entering the office.

During the election period, the central agency had summoned him five times, but he did not appear, citing political engagements and campaign-related commitments.

ED officials are expected to question him in connection with the ongoing probe into allegations of recruitment in civic bodies in exchange for money.

The development comes days after former fire services minister Sujit Bose was arrested by the ED in the same case following prolonged questioning. Bose had also received multiple ED summonses from April 6 onwards, including during the Assembly election period.

He had approached the Calcutta High Court seeking time, citing his involvement in election campaigning.

After the elections, Bose appeared before ED investigators on May 1 and May 11, the day he was arrested.