kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, June 1: West Bengal Food Minister Rathin Ghosh appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office on Monday at around 11:30 a.m. as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged municipal recruitment corruption case. This marks the third time that Rathin Ghosh has been summoned and questioned by the central agency in connection with the probe.

While entering the ED office, Rathin Ghosh addressed reporters and briefly commented on the recent incidents involving protests and alleged attacks surrounding Trinamool Congress leaders Abhishek Banerjee and Kalyan Banerjee. Referring to the controversy, he remarked that if the shortcomings and underlying issues could be properly identified, many problems might have been resolved. His statement was viewed as a response to the growing political debate surrounding the incidents.

Rathin Ghosh was also absent from a meeting held at the Kalighat residence of Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Sunday. The Madhyamgram MLA claimed that he could not attend the gathering due to illness. His absence had drawn attention within political circles, especially at a time when several important developments were taking place within the party and the state administration.

Notably, only a short while before Rathin Ghosh arrived at the ED office, 34 ministers took oath at Lok Bhavan as part of the newly formed state government. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh extended his congratulations and best wishes to all the newly sworn-in ministers, acknowledging the significance of the occasion.

The Enforcement Directorate's investigation is linked to alleged irregularities in appointments made at the Madhyamgram Municipality. According to the agency, illegal recruitments were carried out in the civic body based on recommendations made during the period when Rathin Ghosh served as Vice-Chairman of the municipality between 2014 and 2018. Investigators are examining whether appointments were made in violation of established recruitment procedures and whether any financial irregularities were involved.

The ED has been conducting an extensive probe into the municipal recruitment case and is gathering information from various individuals connected to the administration during the relevant period. Rathin Ghosh's appearance before the agency forms part of this wider investigation, which has attracted significant political and public attention in West Bengal.

The inquiry continues, the central agency is expected to further scrutinize documents, appointment records, and statements from those involved in municipal administration. Rathin Ghosh's latest appearance before the ED underscores the ongoing focus on alleged recruitment irregularities and the broader efforts to uncover the facts behind the case.