45 arrests made so far in Assam Police SI paper leak case: DGP Mahanta

Guwahati: Disclosing some key aspects of the ongoing investigation into the scam in the recruitment of Assam Police Sub-Inspectors (Unarmed Branch), Assam's Director General of Police (DGP) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta on Saturday announced that a total of 45 arrests have been made so far in connection. This includes the two main accused -- DIG (retd) PK Dutta, and former BJP leader Diban Deka.

Addressing the press at the 4th APBn in Kahilipara, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said that most of the arrests were made from Nalbari in Lower Assam. He added that a huge amount of cash has been seized by the police. While Rs 3 crore has been seized in Abhaypuri, Rs 1.5 crore has been seized in Barpeta

Meanwhile, Mahanta stated, the Central Investigation Department (CID) has procured digital and electronic evidence linking to the case and as many as 16 people (including 5 students) have been arrested. The DGP further added that the paper leak, cash, and the modus operandi of the culprits are currently being investigated by the competent authorities.

In the meantime, the licenses of two hotels -- both belonging to prime accused P K Dutta -- have been cancelled, Mahanta said.

Mahanta added that ADGP G P Singh, who has been assigned to the case, is currently conducting the investigation. He further expressed hope that several more arrests will be made in the coming days.

After nearly 15 days on the run, the retired deputy inspector general (DIG) of police Prashanta Kumar Dutta, prime accused in the Assam Police SI exam question paper leak case was arrested from Kakarbhitta along the Indo-Nepal border on Tuesday (October 6).

A team of police led by the additional director general of police (ADGP) for law and order GP Singh arrested him when he was with his son-in-law on way to Assam for surrender. Similarly, another Prime accused -- Diban Deka -- have also been arrested. Both the prime suspects are currently being interrogated.

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