The Calcutta High Court has granted former state minister Manas Bhunia conditional protection in a recruitment corruption case. Bhunia sought protection to avoid arrest in the case and was granted this safeguard by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya. He must adhere to specific conditions, including staying within the Sabang police station area in West Midnapore district temporarily.
Additionally, the High Court has instructed Bhunia to fully cooperate with the investigation and surrender his passport to the local police station. By complying with these terms, Bhunia can evade arrest for the time being. Allegations against him involve the exchange of money for job positions.
On July 9, Bhunia appeared at the Sabang police station following a summons related to a cash-for-job scam. Police questioned him for about three hours during this visit. Despite this, Bhunia refrained from commenting after leaving the police station. The accusations suggest that he accepted significant sums of money in exchange for job promises within the irrigation department while serving as a minister.
A complaint lodged at the Sabang police station highlighted the alleged monetary transactions for job placements in the irrigation department. Subsequently, an investigation was initiated based on this complaint. Bhunia had previously ignored several notices for investigation but was compelled to cooperate following a Calcutta High Court order.
The complaint was filed by a young man residing in Bishnupur Gram Panchayat, Sabang Assembly area, on June 10. He claimed that his wife secured a job through the influence of Manas Bhunia but had to pay Rs 5 lakh for it. Despite his wife initially receiving the job and salary, she was terminated within two months. The complainant urged legal action against Bhunia, alleging financial loss and job dismissal.
Bhunia contested the 2026 Assembly elections on a Trinamool Congress ticket from Sabang but was defeated by a BJP candidate. He later announced his departure from the Trinamool Congress on June 13.
