STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The investigations into the recent leak of question paper that led to the cancellation of the Police Sub-Inspector (SI) examination across the State on September 20, 2020, has taken an interesting twist with a former DIG (Deputy Inspector General) of Assam Police – PK Dutta — named as the prime accused in the case. Following this revelation, the Assam Police launched the latest search operations in the properties of Dutta to find out more links in the scam. Besides since Wednesday, Assam Police has seized a huge amount of gold items and other documents from Dutta's house at Hengerabari here. The details of the seizure have not yet been disclosed.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said addressing the media here on Thursday, "Order has been given to initiate stern action against all those guilty. Each of tghem will be awarded exemplary punishment".
Another Police source revealed that a land grabbing case (1044/20 u/s 406/420 IPC) against Dutta was registered at the Basistha Police Station on August 18, 2020.
On Thursday, sleuths of the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) and the Crime Branch – both of the Assam Police – separately raided various properties — including two hotels of the 'Bhargav' series — owned by the Dutta family members. During the day, the CID resumed its raid in the palatial house of the former DIG. However, neither Dutta nor his wife was present there during that time.
CID sources informed The Sentinel that Dutta's role in the scam came to light after Hirakjyoti Barua — a candidate of the examination – spilled the beans. This candidate (hailing from Karbi Anglong) was arrested by Nagaon Police; and later handed over to the CID on Wednesday. During interrogation, Hirakjyoti Barua told the CID that he had handed over Rs 6 lakh — through a middleman – allegedly to be given to Dutta.
Meanwhile during the day, sleuths of the Crime Branch searched 'Bhargav Inn' at Paltan Bazar and 'Hotel Bhargav' at Ganeshguri – both in the city. The hotels and the documents were searched and their employees were also interrogated. This is being done to find out the details of people who may have visited these hotels a few days before the examination.
The investigation team also found that the 'Close Circuit Television' (CCTV) cameras in Hotel Bhargav at Ganeshguri were not working since 2015. This fact has also lead to queries as to why the hotel management did not repair the CCTVs though they have been carrying on business in this commercial area of the city since then.
The Crime branch has also suspected that a mock examination was conducted in the 'Thank You Lodge – also at Ganeshguri – on September 19 – a day before the actual examination was held. During raids conducted at this Lodge on Wednesday, many items were seized. These include admit cards, hand-written question papers, and other documents related to the examination.
After grilling, the Crime Branch arrested seven persons on Thursday. They were detained the previous day. These include the four owners of the Lodge – Pranjal Sarma, Alakesh Baishya, Bimal Thapa, and Pranab Bora – besides their two managers – Ashok Das and Dhrubajyoti Das, and also a Confidential Assistant of STF (Special Task Force) of the Assam Police identified as Sanjib Sarma.
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