High Court grills CBI over delayed action in Sujoykrishna Bhadra’s custody in recruitment scam

High Court questions CBI's sudden interest in Sujoykrishna Bhadra after over a year in ED custody
Justice Bagchi criticizes CBI for not interrogating Bhadra earlier, citing suspicious timing around bail request
Court challenges the CBI’s insistence on physical appearance despite virtual hearing options for Bhadra’s health

The Calcutta High Court recently examined the actions of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with Sujoykrishna Bhadra, an accused in a major recruitment scam. The CBI had sought permission to take Bhadra into custody for further questioning in relation to the case. Bhadra, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in May 2023, has been in judicial custody since then. He had previously been hospitalized due to health issues during this period. Following the filing of his anticipatory bail application, the CBI applied for his custody.

Bhadra’s legal team raised concerns about the timing of the CBI’s request for custody, especially as he had already been in ED custody for over a year. Bhadra’s anticipatory bail petition was filed on the grounds that the CBI might arrest him, given their recent application for custody. The High Court, while reviewing the matter, noted the considerable time lapse before the CBI sought action against Bhadra and questioned the timing of the move in relation to the bail request.

In addition to questioning the timing, the High Court addressed the CBI’s instruction for Bhadra to appear physically in court. Due to chest pain, Bhadra was unable to attend the hearing. His legal team suggested that a virtual hearing could have been a feasible option, especially since online hearings have become an accepted practice. Justice Jaymallya Bagchi remarked on the possibility of conducting the hearing via video call instead of insisting on physical attendance.

The case is part of a broader investigation into a recruitment scam that has involved multiple central agencies, including the CBI and ED. The investigation centers on alleged irregularities in the recruitment process within various government departments. The High Court’s questioning of the CBI’s actions and the handling of Bhadra’s case is an ongoing part of the legal process surrounding the recruitment scam investigation.

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