TMC MLA Manik Bhattacharya Granted Bail in Teacher Recruitment Scam

The Calcutta High Court granted bail to TMC MLA Manik Bhattacharya in the teacher recruitment scam. Conditions include submitting his passport, not leaving the station without permission, and not contacting witnesses. If any conditions are violated, his bail can be canceled. He must also provide a Rs 10 lakh bond.

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted bail to TMC MLA Manik Bhattacharya, who had been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the multi-crore teacher recruitment scam in West Bengal.

Justice Suvra Ghosh granted bail to Bhattacharya under strict conditions. He must submit his passport to a lower court and obtain permission from the investigating officer before leaving the station. He is prohibited from engaging in any criminal activity, communicating with witnesses, and must appear in trial court as required.

The court stipulated that Bhattacharya must provide his mobile number to the trial court and may not change it without permission. A Rs 10 lakh bond with two sureties is also necessary. Violation of these conditions will allow the trial court to cancel his bail. Justice Ghosh emphasized the importance of a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution given the prolonged incarceration.

Bhattacharya, the MLA from Palashipara in Nadia district, was arrested in 2022. The CBI also continues to investigate the scam concurrently.

(With inputs from agencies.)