WBSSC scam: CBI cuts off internet at commission's office server room

In yet another blow against corruption at the highest levels of the state, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR against some of the most prominent officials associated with the West Bengal State Secondary Education Council (WBSSC). The WBSSC is responsible for conducting examinations in schools.

In its investigation into the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) scam, the CBI team took specific measures to get the internet disconnected from the server room present in its office. This particular office is in the residential district of Salt Lake in Kolkata.

As per CBI officials, this rigorous step ensured the computers operating at the WBSSC office do not get accessed or hacked by somebody. The officials have taken several other steps to propel this investigation forward.


They have sealed two rooms that happen to be a part of the WBSSC office. These two rooms consist of six almirahs and fourteen computer systems where many documents stored in physical and digital formats.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has already been deployed to look after the WBSSC office's security. The CRPF was handed over this responsibility after getting directions from the single-judge bench of Calcutta High Court led by Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay.

CBI sources said the information stored in the computers of the West Bengal School Service Commission has many important clues that could lead the authorities toward the unethical practices that were carried out to fudge or misrepresent merit lists compiled to feature the names of out-of-turn individuals.

Since several prominent political leaders, including ministers, are alleged to be involved in this scam, the CBI believes that attempts will be made to manipulate the data in the files and the computers. Hence, the CBI decided to disconnect the internet in the WBSSC's server room.

The CBI has conducted inquiries on political figures like Partha Chatterjee, the erstwhile Education Minister of West Bengal and Paresh Chandra Adhikari, currently serving as the Minister of State for Education. The CBI is closely reviewing their assets and wealth to get a lead in this case.