Court Orders 14-Day Jail Custody for Sujoy Krishna Bhadra at CBI's Request

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, December 21, 2024 : In a significant development in the teacher recruitment scam, a special CBI court on Saturday granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) permission to collect the voice sample of Sujoy Krishna Bhadra. The court also ordered that Bhadra be remanded to 14-day jail custody, as per the CBI's request.

Sujoy Krishna Bhadra, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 23 last year, had been undergoing treatment in a hospital for an extended period. The issue of collecting his voice sample had been a point of contention, but after a prolonged delay, his voice sample was finally collected on January 3 this year at the Joka ESI Hospital. This time, the CBI sought permission to collect the sample and take him into custody for further investigation.

Bhadra had been in CBI custody for the past four days, but the agency, citing health concerns and other factors, no longer wished to keep him in their custody. CBI lawyer Sandeep Chowdhury explained in court that Bhadra had been on a hunger strike for the past four days, refusing to take food or medication. As a result, his blood sugar levels were rising, and the CBI felt that this could potentially escalate into a medical emergency. The lawyer further stated that Bhadra was using the hunger strike as a tactic to create pressure, explaining that he was a political figure aware of the "political leverage" a hunger strike can provide.

Chowdhury also argued that Bhadra had not been cooperating with the investigation despite knowing vital information. Given his influential position, the CBI raised concerns that he could attempt to influence the investigation if released on bail.

In contrast, Sujoy Krishna Bhadra’s defense lawyer, Salim Rahman, countered the CBI’s arguments, asserting that the collection of Bhadra's voice sample should follow the proper legal procedures. Rahman also emphasized that his client had no political affiliations and had no contact with any political leaders. He further stated that Bhadra was in poor health, having undergone bypass surgery, and had recently lost his wife. He requested the court to consider these factors and grant bail, proposing house arrest as an alternative to jail custody if needed.

After hearing both sides, the court decided to remand Sujoy Krishna Bhadra to jail custody for 14 days. The case is ongoing, and the CBI continues to investigate Bhadra’s alleged involvement in the teacher recruitment scam.