Concerns Raised Over APSC Scam Investigation in Assam
Investigation Under Scrutiny
Guwahati, Jan 2: The forum Fight Against Injustice of APSC has expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing investigation into the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) scam, citing issues such as selective disclosure and missing evidence. They argue that the investigation has not presented essential materials to the court, raising doubts about its integrity and transparency.
In a recent press statement, the forum highlighted that during court proceedings, it was revealed that only 56 answer scripts were sent for forensic analysis, contrary to earlier statements claiming that 74 scripts would be examined.
Manas Pratim Baruah, the administrator of Fight Against Injustice of APSC, noted that the discrepancies were pointed out not by activists but by individuals previously accused during the hearings. He questioned, “Only 56 answer scripts have been returned when there were claims of submitting 74. The obvious question is about where are the remaining nearly 20 scripts?”
Baruah also mentioned that despite names appearing on loose tabulation sheets found at the home of former APSC chairman Rakesh Pal, seven officials are still in their positions. The forum stated that nine loose tabulation sheets seized from Pal’s residence included names and roll numbers of several candidates, many of whom have been arrested, yet seven individuals listed in those documents continue to hold senior administrative roles.
According to the forum, crucial documents such as answer sheets, mark sheets, forensic reports, and tabulation records related to these candidates have not yet been presented to the court.
Among those named are ACS officers Dipan Barman, Saptati Aideu, and Mrinal Bora; APS officers Bhaskar Ojha and Hemen Das; DTO Arun Kumar Bora; and Superintendent of Taxes Nirmali Bora.
Baruah raised concerns that some of these individuals are related, suggesting possible collusion and selective enforcement. He stated, “These developments point towards a larger nexus within the APSC scam,” questioning the government's repeated claims of ensuring fair and transparent recruitment.
“While the government often emphasizes that approximately 1.5 lakh appointments have been made during its tenure, the critical question remains whether the recruitment process itself was fair and transparent,” Baruah added.
The forum further criticized the state government for not concluding the investigation effectively, alleging that the prolonged and seemingly selective probe is damaging public trust. Once a scandal that caused significant unrest in Assam, the APSC scam is now perceived to be losing credibility due to unresolved issues and inconsistencies in the investigation process.