Madan Mitra Linked to Municipality Recruitment Scam, Allegedly Took Cash and Gold Bribes for Illegal Jobs

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at seven locations in Kolkata and the surrounding suburbs on Saturday morning as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in municipal recruitment. Among the places searched were the home and office of Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra in Kamarhati and Bhawanipore. ED officials are examining his alleged role in arranging illegal appointments in several municipalities and taking bribes in return.

According to agency sources, the investigation centers on accusations that Mitra helped secure jobs for ineligible candidates in multiple municipal bodies, including Kamarhati, and may have received money or valuables such as cash and gold jewelry in exchange. Investigators believe the payments may not have been made directly to him, but through intermediaries. The role of these middlemen is also under scrutiny. The ED has reportedly identified links between Mitra and more than 125 illegal municipal appointments.

Searches were also carried out in Kamarhati, Dakshineswar, Beleghata, Joka, and Behala, indicating that the probe extends beyond one municipality. Mitra, who was first elected as the MLA from Kamarhati in 2011 and won the seat again in 2021 and 2026, is considered to have longstanding influence in the area. Investigators are now trying to determine whether he used that influence to facilitate the alleged irregular recruitments.

The municipal hiring case emerged during the broader school recruitment scam investigation, when the CBI arrested Ayan Shil. Evidence found in Shil’s Salt Lake office, including answer sheets and OMR sheets, helped expose the municipal recruitment irregularities. The ED is now also investigating that case.

The searches came a day after Mitra accused Kamarhati Municipality chairman Gopal Saha of harassment and urged all councillors of the municipality to resign in protest. He also said he would work to ensure that the Trinamool Congress returns to power in the municipality in the next election. Against this backdrop, the ED’s action has intensified scrutiny of alleged corruption linked to municipal hiring and deepened political tension in Kamarhati and beyond.