Bengal cash-for-school job scam: Accused businessman to turn state witness

Santu Gangopadhyay, a Kolkata businessman accused in a multi-million dollar cash-for-school job scandal in West Bengal, has requested to become a state witness, according to sources. In his letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Gangopadhyay claimed that he had initially remained silent due to fear for his life under the previous Trinamool Congress government.

However, with the change of government in West Bengal, he felt confident enough to come forward. Gangopadhyay, who was named in the chargesheet of the CBI case related to the recruitment of primary teachers in state-run schools, was arrested but is currently out on bail. Sources revealed that Gangopadhyay and Kuntal Ghosh, another accused in the recruitment corruption case, allegedly delivered money to a top Trinamool Congress leader.

Gangopadhyay also alleged that despite the change of government, he continued to receive threatening calls from people involved in the school job scam and pleaded for the security of his family members.