Kolkata: On February 3rd, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at eight locations in West Bengal, including Kolkata and the 24 North Parganas district, in response to allegations of fraudulent use of residence credentials for obtaining benefits in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) recruitment. The search was prompted by complaints that individuals, through the use of forged domicile documents, secured recruitment into the armed forces and CAPFs, claiming they were from border areas and thereby qualifying with lower cut-off marks. The Calcutta High Court directed the CBI to investigate these allegations, taking over the case in August of the previous year.

The FIR revealed that certain individuals from Pakistan also allegedly benefited from the scheme using forged certificates, although details about these cases are yet to be disclosed.

As part of the investigation, the CBI arrested two officers, including Rajatkanti Mandal, an officer in charge of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes offices in the District Magistrate’s office.

The CBI's actions targeted the residences of those involved in fabricating residency documents. Judge Jay Sengupta, after reviewing the preliminary investigation findings, stated that while there were no irregularities found in armed services recruitment, four instances of irregularities surfaced in the Central Para Military Forces.

Justice Jay Sengupta emphasized, “However, as regards employment in the Central Para Military Forces, some irregularities have already been detected. During preliminary enquiry, at least four such instances have come to light.” He explained that West Bengal's status as a border state allows for lower cut-off scores in exams for employment in the Central Para Military Forces, attracting individuals from other states to forge documents to falsely claim domicile in West Bengal.

The judge highlighted the forgery of domicile certificates, matriculation certificates, and caste certificates, and suggested a more in-depth investigation would be necessary to determine if foreign nationals also used similar methods to apply for jobs in the Indian forces.

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