Synopsis
Investigative agencies have uncovered key evidence regarding a charitable trust linked to Partha Chatterjee, which was allegedly used to disguise crime proceeds as donations. An accused is set to become an approver, potentially strengthening the case against the former education minister and others involved.Key Takeaways
- The CBI and ED are investigating a charitable trust linked to Partha Chatterjee.
- An accused has agreed to become an approver, aiding the investigation.
- The trust allegedly masked crime proceeds as donations.
- The process of becoming an approver is complex and lengthy.
- A total of 53 individuals and entities are implicated in the case.
Kolkata, March 14 (NationPress) Investigative agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), have gathered significant evidence revealing how a charitable trust associated with the former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee was utilized as a conduit to present the "proceeds" from the crime as "donations" for charitable endeavors.
Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the documents seized by the investigating authorities have been verified by an individual listed as an accused in the charge sheet submitted by the ED, who has now consented to act as an approver in this case.
The individual, who is prepared to become an "approver," was formerly affiliated with the Babli Chatterjee Memorial Trust, named after the late wife of Partha Chatterjee.
Once the process of becoming an approver is finalized, this individual will provide a confidential statement before a judicial magistrate, which will equip the investigating officials with an additional asset to strengthen their case against the former state education minister.
Legal experts suggest that while there are provisions allowing an accused to become an approver, the process can be somewhat lengthy and intricate. Initially, the accused must submit a formal application to the relevant investigative agency expressing their willingness to turn approver. The agency will then evaluate the potential implications and possible future legal complications before seeking the court's permission where the case is being considered. Ultimately, the judge will make a final determination on the matter after documenting the rationale and other legal considerations involved.
Describing the modus operandi of how the trust was manipulated to misappropriate funds, sources noted that proceeds from the criminal activities, often received in large cash sums from a network of agents, were falsely recorded as donations to the trust, which were subsequently used to acquire various properties registered under the trust's name.
The ED has identified a total of 53 individuals as accused in their subsequent charge sheets, comprising 29 individuals and 24 corporate entities or trusts.
Besides Partha Chatterjee, his close associate Arpita Mukherjee, and his son-in-law Kalyanmoy Bhattacharya are also implicated in the charge sheets.
In addition to the Babli Chatterjee Memorial Trust, several other corporate entities have been mentioned in the charge sheets. A corporate entity where another main accused Sujay Krishna Bhadra previously served as the chief operating officer (COO) is also included as an accused in the ED charge sheet.
