Calcutta HC Denies Bail in Recruitment Scam

The Calcutta High Court has denied bail to former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose in connection with the North Dum Dum Municipality recruitment scam, where the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing allegations of illegal appointments and monetary exchanges. The court observed that the investigation was in a crucial and advanced phase, and the accused's release could potentially affect witness statements and further inquiry.

The bench emphasized that despite Bose’s public stature and lack of prior criminal record, the nature of the allegations—criminal conspiracy, abuse of official position, and proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Corruption Act—warranted custodial proceedings at this stage. The prosecution claimed that several appointments were made in return for monetary benefits, which are now under forensic audit.

For practitioners, this reinforces the judiciary’s cautious approach in granting bail in public corruption cases during active investigation phases. Courts are increasingly weighing the risk of witness influence and evidence tampering more heavily, especially in cases involving systemic malpractice in public employment.