The Enforcement Directorate summoned Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee to its Kolkata office for questioning on June 15, 2026 [1].
The summons signals a significant escalation in the federal investigation into a multi-crore recruitment scandal. Because Banerjee is a high-ranking official within the TMC, his involvement in the probe could have deep political implications for the party's standing in West Bengal.
The investigation centers on alleged money-laundering and irregularities linked to the recruitment of primary teachers in West Bengal [1, 5]. Federal agents are examining how funds were moved and who benefited from the fraudulent appointment process. The agency aims to trace the financial trail of the scam to identify the primary architects of the scheme.
"The Enforcement Directorate has issued a summons to Mr. Banerjee in connection with the teacher recruitment scam," a senior ED official said [1].
This action is part of a wider crackdown on corruption within the state's education sector. The probe agency has previously questioned several other officials and intermediaries suspected of taking bribes to secure teaching positions. The agency believes the recruitment process was systematically manipulated to favor specific candidates in exchange for payments.
"The summons is part of a broader investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process of primary teachers," an ANI reporter said [3].
Banerjee's legal and political team have responded to the summons by pledging cooperation while maintaining his innocence. The TMC has frequently characterized such investigations as politically motivated attempts to destabilize the state government.
"We will cooperate with the agency and contest any baseless allegations," a TMC spokesperson said [2].
The ED is expected to question Banerjee regarding his knowledge of the financial transactions and the identities of those involved in the recruitment irregularities [1, 4].
“"The Enforcement Directorate has issued a summons to Mr. Banerjee in connection with the teacher recruitment scam."”
The summoning of a top-tier Trinamool Congress leader by the Enforcement Directorate highlights the scale of the primary teacher recruitment scam. By targeting high-profile political figures, the agency is attempting to establish whether the irregularities were localized administrative failures or part of a coordinated effort to launder money through state institutions. The outcome of this questioning could determine if the probe expands further into the party's senior leadership.
