CBI Raids West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim's Home in Recruitment Scandal Investigation

In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out searches at the residence of West Bengal's senior minister, Firhad Hakim, on Sunday morning. The search operation is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment processes conducted by various civic bodies in the state.

Source: https://www.thestatesman.com/ 

In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out searches at the residence of West Bengal's senior minister, Firhad Hakim, on Sunday morning. The search operation is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment processes conducted by various civic bodies in the state.

Firhad Hakim, who holds the portfolio of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs and also serves as the Mayor of Kolkata, came under the CBI's scrutiny as the agency intensified its probe into the alleged recruitment scam. As a prominent leader within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Hakim wields considerable influence within the party's hierarchy.

The CBI's team, accompanied by a substantial contingent of central forces, descended upon Hakim's residence in the Chetla area of south Kolkata. During the operation, two CBI officers engaged in questioning Hakim regarding the ongoing investigation.

The commencement of the search operation prompted a gathering of Hakim's supporters outside his residence, where they initiated a protest in his defense.

This development comes on the heels of similar actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) earlier in the week. The ED conducted searches at multiple locations, including the residence of Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh, as part of the same investigation.

Also Read: US Pledges Unwavering Support For Israel Amid Escalating Conflict In The Middle East

Central investigative agencies have alleged that approximately 1,500 individuals were illicitly recruited by various civic bodies in West Bengal between 2014 and 2018, allegedly in exchange for financial considerations.

The search at Firhad Hakim's residence signifies a crucial step in the ongoing probe into these allegations of impropriety within the recruitment processes of the state's civic bodies. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of irregularities and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.