SSC Group C Case: Charges Framed Against Partha Chatterjee and 27 Others, Trial to Begin
SSC Group C Case: In a major development in the SSC Group C recruitment scam case, charges have been framed against former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and 27 other individuals. This paves the way for the trial to begin. The special court in Alipore on Friday dismissed Partha Chatterjee’s plea for discharge from the case.
Key Developments in the Case
The West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) Group C recruitment scam has taken a new turn. Based on the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), charges have been framed against former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and 27 others. This event has caused a significant stir in the state’s political and administrative circles.
CBI’s Final Chargesheet
On August 29, the CBI submitted its final chargesheet to the Alipore special court. This chargesheet includes several crucial pieces of information and evidence that are expected to be instrumental in determining the course of the case.
The “Sensational Video” Evidence
The chargesheet mentions a “sensational video” recovered during the investigation of the 2016 SSC Group C case. It is alleged that in this video, departmental officials are heard discussing how to pass candidates without exams and about monetary transactions. This discussion reportedly took place about two weeks before the panel was released. Partha Chatterjee’s voice is allegedly clearly audible in the video, which could be a key piece of evidence in establishing him as the “mastermind” of this corruption.
Partha Chatterjee’s Plea and Defense
In court on Friday, Partha Chatterjee claimed his innocence and applied for a discharge from the case. He stated that he was a victim of the central agencies’ vindictiveness. Citing his social standing, doctorate degree, and ministerial oath, he pleaded for his release. He also mentioned his three and a half years of imprisonment and his poor health.
Political Reaction and Court’s Decision
The incident has sparked a debate in political circles. Some believe that Partha Chatterjee is being made a scapegoat and that the corruption runs much deeper, possibly involving senior leaders of the Trinamool Congress. On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress has stated that the law will take its own course and they will not comment on the matter.
After hearing all sides, the judge rejected Partha Chatterjee’s application and ordered the framing of charges against him, along with Shantiprasad Sinha, Samarjit Acharya, Prasanna Roy, Chandan Mandal, Sukanta Acharya, and 22 others. As a result, the long-awaited trial process is now set to begin.
