Civic scam: ED quizzes ex-min Rathin Ghosh for 8 hours

Kolkata: Former food minister Rathin Ghosh was questioned for eight hours by the ED on Friday in connection with the alleged civic recruitment scam. Ghosh, who reached the agency's Salt Lake office at 10am, had skipped five previous summonses."I do not know why I have been called. I will know once I go inside," Ghosh told reporters before entering the CGO Complex.The probe follows the arrest of former fire services minister. The ED claims Bose was a "direct beneficiary" of the scam, acquiring multiple flats and cash in exchange for ensuring jobs. He is in a 10-day ED custody.According to the agency, around 1,500 people were illegally recruited across municipalities including Kanchrapara, New Barrackpore, Kamarhati, and South Dum Dum. The scam reportedly covered various posts, including clerks, sweepers, and pump operators.Earlier searches at premises linked to Ghosh and Bose yielded Rs 3.4 crore in cash and incriminating digital devices.The ED initiated the PMLA probe based on a CBI FIR following Calcutta High Court directions