A significant incident has unfolded at Harnett English Medium School in Kanchrapara, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, where police seized Rs 1.77 crore in cash. This operation was prompted after allegations of financial misconduct concerning school funds came to light. Investigators stated that alcohol bottles, a room resembling a bedroom, and packets of condoms were also discovered on the premises, raising serious concerns about the school’s operational integrity.

The acting principal, Bikash Chandra Pal, lodged a formal complaint on June 10 regarding supposed embezzlement and misappropriation of funds tied to four individuals associated with the institution. This group includes an accountant and several staff members. Pal asserted that significant cash was found when accountant Abhik Kumar Nag was requested to open a vault in the presence of officials, despite the school reportedly operating at a loss.

Following this complaint, the police formally registered a case, which triggered a thorough investigation. During their inquiries, officers seized not only cash but also documents, computers, and other relevant materials from the school’s premises. As part of the investigation, police have detained the accountant and a junior accountant for further questioning.

Principal Responds to Findings

In light of the discoveries, the acting principal sought to distance himself from the financial discrepancies, claiming he had no prior knowledge regarding the significant cash amount that had allegedly not been banked. Pal noted that the cash collection from students began after the academic session commenced in April and that the accountant was responsible for depositing these amounts every few days.

“I am accountable for academic matters,” he stated, “and I had no awareness that the cash was not deposited. This situation is unbelievable.” Regarding the unexpected findings of the semi-furnished room and condoms, Pal expressed shock, stating, “It is accurate that inappropriate items have been recovered, but I lack detailed knowledge. I am unsure how such items ended up in a room designated to serve as a student sick room.”

Pal’s comments come amid growing scrutiny from both the public and political figures, reflecting the broader implications of this investigation.

Political Reactions and Demands for Accountability

As developments unfolded, the political landscape surrounding this incident intensified. BJP MLA Sudipta Das visited Harnett English Medium School, demanding an exhaustive investigation into the allegations. Das expressed his disbelief that an educational establishment could devolve into such a disreputable situation.

“These revelations are mentally distressing. I cannot fathom how an educational institution has descended into this level of misconduct,” Das remarked. He went on to criticise the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging the recovered cash could not merely be attributed to school funds. He called for a comprehensive investigation into its origins.

“This situation has brought shame to the community. It is unacceptable that crores of rupees have been found in this context, along with a setup resembling a bedroom within a school,” he added, underscoring the seriousness of the findings. The case continues to attract widespread attention as local authorities and the police work to uncover the details surrounding the financial dealings of the school.

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