Multiple TMC MLAs from rebel camp under case-FIR shadow

Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate’s renewed questioning of former minister and Madhyamgram MLA Rathin Ghosh has put the spotlight back on a growing cluster of legal troubles surrounding members of the Trinamool rebel camp, with multiple netas facing probes, ranging from alleged recruitment scams and corruption to an NIA probe linked to protests and highway blockades.

Ghosh appeared before the ED on Monday for the third time since the May 4 election results in connection with the agency’s investigation into the alleged municipal recruitment scam. The Madhyamgram MLA was also absent from a meeting convened by Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence on Sunday. Ghosh later claimed he could not attend due to ill health, though he appeared for ED questioning the following day.

Notably, following the arrest of former food minister Jyotipriya Mallick (who is currently aligned with the loyalist group) by the ED three years ago, Mamata Banerjee had entrusted the food department portfolio to Ghosh.

Apart from Ghosh, the ED is probing a case against former minister Chandranath Sinha, who has also rebelled, for his alleged involvement in the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) and primary teachers’ recruitment scams. Sinha did not speak to the media regarding the matter on Wednesday.

The presence of long-time Mamata loyalist Javed Ahmed Khan among the 58 rebel MLAs was also noticeable. Khan has been fending off criticism since May 4 after multiple properties linked to his kin were slapped with demolition notices.

Sabina Yeasmin, another former minister within the rebel group, has been fighting allegations over her role in the May 1 anti-SIR protests in Malda, which culminated in the Mothabari agitation and subsequently triggered a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe.

The NIA probe is twofold: looking into the harassment of judicial officers and the blockade of the National Highway. Yeasmin took part in the agitation outside the Kaliachak-I BDO office and blocked the road. She told TOI on Wednesday: “I was never involved in that case. The opposition) tried to frame me, but my name did not feature in the FIR.”

Without naming anyone, party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh told reporters, “They say that they respect Mamata-di, but if they do, how can they not accept Sovandeb Chattopadhyay? Is there any comparison between Chattopadhyay and a person accused of rape?”

“He was thrown out of the CPM once and then from the Trinamool. He is an expelled MLA. What is the need for him to switch so many parties? What is his credibility?” Ghosh questioned.