Introduction

The Calcutta High Court, in the case of Soumen Nandy v. The State of West Bengal & Ors. and connected applications under the supervision of Justice Amrita Sinha, delved into the multi-tier recruitment scam in West Bengal. The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presented progress reports, spotlighting Leaps & Bounds, a company allegedly associated with the scam. The court’s concerns about potential money laundering and property acquisition within a short span prompted a stern inquiry into the source of funds. With voluminous documents and the possibility of property transfers looming, the court invoked the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to safeguard the ongoing investigation.

Arguments of Both Sides  

The ED, represented by DSG Dhiraj Trivedi, revealed extensive scrutiny of Leaps & Bounds, disclosing the submission of 5500 pages of evidence, encompassing financial records and company specifics. Emphasizing the need for secrecy due to ongoing live-streamed proceedings, the ED assured the court of its comprehensive inquiry.

DSG Billwadal Bhattacharya, representing the CBI, echoed the ED’s stance, assuring the court about the forthcoming report’s submission.

Court’s Judgment  

Justice Amrita Sinha, cognizant of the suspicious acquisition of numerous properties and their potential connection to the company’s inception in 2014, directed the ED to probe the money trail. Referencing Section 5 of the PMLA, the court emphasized provisional property attachment to prevent tampering or disposal during the investigation. Expressing concerns about possible disruptions in the probe due to property transfers, the court called for vigilance to prevent any obstruction in uncovering the truth.

The Court adjourned the hearing to January 2024, seeking further reports from the investigative agencies to ensure a thoroughi nvestigation.