Guwahati: Assam Police, continuing its investigation into the paper leaks of the Sub-Inspector written examinations, has zeroed in on former Assam DIG P.K Dutta who is said to be the "main mastermind." According to reports, Dutta is currently absconding.
Efforts are on to nab the main accused amid continuing investigation into the alleged Investigators reached Dutta's residence at Rupkonwar Path in Hengrabari where they spent several hours. They also raided two hotels belonging to the former DIG, including the Bhargav Grand near the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT).
The investigation has now revealed that around 150 candidates apparently appeared in a secret exam on Saturday, a day before the official exam date. This "secret exam" for 50 candidates was being conducted in the 'Thank You' lodge located in Guwahati's Ganeshguri area.
According to reports, Assam Police SI jobs were offered to candidates in exchange for up to Rs.15 lakhs. A secret written exam for 50 candidates for the post of SI in Assam Police was conducted in Thankyou lodge in Ganeshguri, Guwahati on September 19, a day before the actual date of the test. A hand-written question paper was also recovered from the lodge. According to reports, another exam was conducted in a house in Sundarpur area of Guwahati, where as many as 100 candidates were present.
As much as Rs. 15 lakh was being taken from candidates in exchange for the Sub-Inspector jobs, reports said.
Meanwhile, the name of an Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader's name has also come up during the investigations, and police sources said that his name is likely to be revealed soon.
Earlier, investigators questioned a regional BJP leader, Diban Deka, for his alleged involvement in the leakage of the question paper.
It needs mention here that Assam's Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, has ordered an inquiry into the leak of the question paper of the SI exam written test. The written test for Assam Police sub-inspector (UB), originally scheduled for Sunday, was canceled after the leakage of question papers on social media.