APDCL recruitment exam scam: CM's Special Vigilance Cell conducts operation in Bijulee Bhavan

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A team of the Chief Minister's Special Vigilance Cell on Tuesday conducted an operation in Bijulee Bhavan in the city in connection with the APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd) recruitment exam scam. Dipankar Dihingia, OSD to APDCL Chairman, who had been arrested last Friday, accompanied the team. According to sources, the team seized the file related to the appointments made.

Meanwhile, interrogation of Ataur Rahman, CGM of APDCL and prime accused in the scam who had surrendered on Monday, continues. According to sources, candidates who had appeared for the recruitment exam and were in touch with the arrested persons, are likely to be questioned by the CM's Special Vigilance Cell soon.

The APDCL had conducted recruitment examinations for the posts of office-cum-field assistants, sahayaks and light vehicle drivers on February 17, 2019, and April 28, 2019, with the help of a third party– NEICOM. Allegations of anomalies in holding the examinations were levelled from various quarters. The allegations prompted the State Government to constitute an inquiry commission with Justice (retd) Anima Hazarika. Justice (retd) Hazarika recommended the authorities involve a third party to evaluate the answer scripts.

In August 2021, the APDCL had a meeting with Gauhati University. As per the decision, GU formed an external examination cell for the evaluation of the answer scripts. On August 24, 2021, APDCL handed over 1.80 lakh answered OMR sheets to GU for evaluation. According to sources, GU also took the help of NEICOM for the evaluation process.

On September 15, 2021, the Chief Minister's Secretariat informed the Chief Minister's Special Vigilance Cell that there were irregularities in the recruitment process of the APDCL. The CM's Special Vigilance Cell registered a case 04/2021 u/s 120B/420/468/471 IPC, r/w Section 7/13(b) of PC (Amendment) Act, 2014 last Friday and arrested 10 people in connection with the recruitment exam scam. The prime accused, Ataur Rahman surrendered before the Chief Minister's Special Vigilance Cell on Monday.

In the latest development, Prof Dilip Borah, Secretary, University Classes (in-charge) of Gauhati University, has been relieved of his responsibilities. Prof Borah had cited personal reasons for his "inability" to carry out the administrative responsibilities assigned to him. The Gauhati University had constituted an External Examination Cell for evaluation of the answer sheets handed over by APDCL. Prof Borah was included in that cell, along with two other members.

Also Read: Prime accused in APDCL recruitment exam scam surrenders in Guwahati

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