The Enforcement Directorate has charged TMC senior Sujit Bose with diverting illicit municipal recruitment funds into his Chinese food restaurant and associated hospitality businesses, sparking fresh scrutiny over political corruption.
Key Takeaways
- Sujit Bose allegedly funneled recruitment scam money into his restaurant
- Funds were used to expand bar and banquet businesses
- ED filed a fresh chargesheet in a Kolkata PMLA court
In a fresh chargesheet filed on July 9 before a special PMLA court in Kolkata, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sujit Bose of channeling illicit money from a municipal recruitment scam into his Chinese food restaurant and other hospitality ventures.
Background of the Scam
Bose, a former fire‑and‑emergency services minister and ex‑vice‑chairman of South Dumdum Municipality, allegedly “illegally” recommended 340 candidates for municipal posts between 2014 and 2022, of which 284 were appointed. The ED claims the cash received from these undeserving candidates was recorded as legitimate sales at his proprietorship firm, Chinese Quisine Restaurant, despite the outlet’s modest turnover.
Re‑deployment of Funds
According to the agency, the cash extracted from the restaurant was subsequently used to finance and expand hospitality entities such as Shree Venkatesh Banquets and Speciality Dhaba LLP, which operate the Bengal Dhaba and The Bar & Lounge. The money was infused through capital contributions and unsecured loans, while additional borrowing from shell companies and individuals funded property acquisitions that were later repaid via “inflated” cash sales.
Legal and Political Ramifications
The charges allege that Bose not only corrupted the recruitment process but also benefitted directly from the proceeds of crime by acquiring multiple flats in exchange for job placements. The complaint also names IAS officer and former director of local bodies Jyotishman Chattopadhyay, accusing him of abusing his position to legitimize illegal appointments. Bose has denied all wrongdoing, yet his political standing remains precarious after losing the recent assembly poll by over 37,000 votes.
Looking Ahead
This is the second chargesheet in the case, following one lodged against Ayan Sil in February 2025, who headed the firm responsible for municipal exam paperwork. The ED’s expanded money‑trail underscores a growing focus on financial forensics in political corruption probes, suggesting that more senior politicians could face similar scrutiny.
