'SI Recruitment Scam' Prime accused PK Dutta arrested in Nepal

GUWAHATI: After a gap of 15 days since the SI (Sub Inspector) recruitment scam was reported, former DIG (Deputy Inspector General) of Assam Police — Prasanta Kumar Dutta — has been arrested by West Bengal Police. Dutta is one of the prime accused.

The scam came to light following the question paper leak connected with the recruitment of 597 SIs in Assam.

Dutta was arrested after he was handed over to the Police by the officials who had detained him at the immigration outpost at Pani Tanki Kakarvitta in Nepal on Tuesday morning. The West Bengal police handed over Dutta to the Assam Police late on Tuesday night.

On September 28, the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) of Assam Police had issued a 'Lookout Circular' to ensure that Dutta cannot leave India. However, Dutta reportedly entered Nepal from Siliguri on September 24. He had left Guwahati and reached Siliguri (West Bengal) on September 23.

Police sources further said that Dutta had prepared himself to surrender about two days back. He took the decision after telephonic conversations with a retired high official of the Assam Police.

On the day of his arrest, he was returning to India in a car. He was accompanied by his son as well as his son-in-law.

Earlier during the day, the CJM Court granted CID six days custody of Diban Deka – a prime accused in the scam. In another development, the CID arrested the two candidates who were detained on Monday. They are Mrinal Kumar Nath and Kakumoni Nath of Changchari in Guwahati.

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