Kolkata/IBNS/UNI: An investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into an alleged large-scale scam in the West Bengal education department has unearthed cash of Rs 50 lakh, gold worth 1.5 kg and lists of 1500 job seekers from the benami house of arrested West Bengal Central School Service Commission's former advisor Shanti Prasad Sinha.

An official who has knowledge of the investigation of the scam said that the federal agency seized funds, gold, and a list of candidates from the benami house of Sinha last night.

He said Sinha has withheld information about his benami property despite the CBI interrogating him several times to cooperate with the investigation.

"The Central Bureau of Investigation has conducted searches at Kolkata in an on-going investigation of a case which led to the recovery of Rs 50 lakh (approx) 1.5-kilogram gold; a list of around 1500 candidates and property documents," the CBI said.

"The said premise was allegedly purchased by the then Advisor of West Bengal Central School Service Commission & his wife in the name of another person," the statement added.

Sinha has been arrested and is now under the custody of CBI.

The said case was registered on the orders of Calcutta High Court against the then Minister-in-charge, Department of School Education, West Bengal Govt Partha Chatterjee and others on the allegations of illegal appointment of 11th & 12th Assistant Teacher.

"It was further alleged that the then Advisor of West Bengal Central School Service Commission was part of the network which was involved in illegally accommodating undeserving candidates for appointment in SSC scam cases." the CBI said.