Recruitment scam: 'Mamata knew everything', middleman names Abhishek Banerjee, Sayoni Ghosh

Kolkata: The alleged middleman in the Bengal recruitment scam has triggered a fresh political firestorm with a series of sensational claims, alleging a multi-crore cash trail, secret diary entries and links reaching the highest levels of the ruling establishment.

Tapas Mondal, who has previously been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in the recruitment scam, now claims he maintained detailed records of every cash transaction.

According to him, nearly Rs 19.44 crore was handed over to Kuntal Ghosh between 2016 and 2021.

What makes his allegations more dramatic is his claim that the money eventually reached 'Kalighat Kaku', whom he described as being close to Abhishek Banerjee.

Mondal alleged that verification of candidates would be delayed if payments did not reach the intended recipients.

'I maintained a diary where every transaction was recorded,' Mondal claimed, alleging that the entire cash network functioned systematically.

He further alleged that such a large-scale recruitment scam could not have taken place without Abhishek Banerjee's knowledge or approval and claimed that ex-Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also aware of the developments.

In another sensational allegation, Mondal claimed Kuntal Ghosh spent heavily on Sayani Ghosh, alleging that she was gifted a flat and a car because of her position in the party's youth wing.

The allegations have added a fresh political dimension to the recruitment scam, with BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh also demanding action against Abhishek Banerjee and accusing him of being at the centre of multiple corruption cases.

It is important to note that these are allegations made by Tapas Mondal and BJP leaders.

The claims have not been independently verified, and those named have denied wrongdoing in connection with the recruitment scam in the past.