Kolkata: In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a search operation at the residence of senior West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim in Kolkata on Sunday morning. This action is part of the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitments made by various civic bodies in the state, according to officials.

Firhad Hakim, who currently holds the portfolio of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, also serves as the mayor of Kolkata. As a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), he wields considerable influence within the party's organizational structure. A team of CBI officers, accompanied by a substantial contingent of central forces, arrived at Firhad Hakim's residence located in the Chetla area of south Kolkata, officials confirmed. During the operation, two CBI officers engaged in questioning the minister.

As the search commenced, supporters of Firhad Hakim gathered outside his residence and initiated a protest. Notably, on Thursday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted searches at multiple locations, including the residence of Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh, as part of the same case.

The central investigative agencies allege that approximately 1,500 individuals were illicitly recruited by various civic bodies in West Bengal between 2014 and 2018, with financial inducements playing a significant role in these appointments. This probe into recruitment irregularities has garnered substantial attention and scrutiny in recent times.

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