Sun Oct 12 07:27:45 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 13 locations in and around Kolkata, including properties linked to West Bengal Fire Minister Sujit Bose, as part of an investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities within the South Dum Dum Municipality. The ED seized ₹45 lakh in unexplained cash, incriminating documents, and digital devices. Minister Bose claims the raids are politically motivated and timed before upcoming elections. He denies any wrongdoing and asserts his innocence. The ED had previously searched his properties in January 2024 in connection with the same case.

**News Article:**

**ED Raids West Bengal Minister’s Properties in Recruitment Scam Probe**

**Kolkata, October 12, 2025:** The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process at the South Dum Dum Municipality in West Bengal, conducting raids on properties linked to Fire Minister Sujit Bose. The searches, carried out on Friday, October 10, 2025, targeted 13 locations in and around Kolkata, including the Minister’s residence and offices.

According to an ED statement released Saturday evening, the raids resulted in the seizure of ₹45 lakh in unexplained cash, along with incriminating documents and digital devices. The ED’s Kolkata zonal office led the operation.

Minister Bose has strongly condemned the raids, accusing the central agency of political maneuvering ahead of upcoming Assembly elections. “They conduct these raids every time there’s an election knocking on the door,” Bose stated. “This is a strategy to exert pressure before the polls.”

Bose maintains his innocence, stating that previous raids on his properties yielded no incriminating evidence. He insisted the public will ultimately be the judge of his integrity.

This is not the first time Minister Bose has been targeted in this investigation. In January 2024, the ED searched several of his properties and questioned him about the alleged recruitment scam. Following a 14-hour raid at that time, certain documents and Bose’s mobile phone were seized.

The ED’s investigation into the South Dum Dum Municipality recruitment irregularities is ongoing. The case adds to the ongoing scrutiny of government hiring practices in West Bengal.

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