GUWAHATI: In a major crackdown on the alleged Cash for Job Scam involving the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC), the Governor of Assam has suspended a total of 11 senior-ranking officials of the Assam Police, as per notifications issued on Thursday.
The suspensions are a result of an inquiry into irregularities connected to the APSC Combined Competitive Examination, which uncovered misconduct, corruption, and moral turpitude.
The suspended APS officers are as follows:
1. Dipankar Dutta Lahkar, APS, Dy SP 21st APBn, Katlicherra, Hailakandi
2. Nitu Mani Das, APS, Addl SP (Crime), Bongaigaon
3. Rumir Timungpi, APS, Assam Police Headquarters, Guwahati
4. Faruk Ahmed, APS, Addl SP (Crime), South Salmara
5. Kalyan Kr. Das, APS, Addl SP (Crime), Cachar
6. Kula Pradip Bhattacharyya, APS, Addl SP, CM’s SVC and attached to CM (Security), Assam
7. Nilanjal Gogoi, APS, Dy SP, SB, HQ, Guwahati
8. Nandini Kakati, APS, ADCP (Central), Guwahati
9. Anal Jyoti Das, APS, Addl SP (HQ), Dima Hasao
10. Sajahan Sarkar, APS, Addl SP (Crime, Jorhat
11. Aoicharjya Jibon Baruah, APS, Addl SP (HQ), Jorhat
During the period of suspension, the headquarters of the affected officers will be designated as their last place of posting. A provision for review is included, allowing for adjustments if deemed necessary as the investigation progresses.
The inquiry revealed that the suspended officers, holding positions within the Assam Civil Service (ACS), benefited from the reported irregularities by securing recommendations for appointments through the illegal enhancement of their original exam scores. The gravity of the allegations has prompted concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process and the potential erosion of public trust.
Governor, in exercising the powers vested in the office, issued the suspensions under Rule 6(1) of the Assam Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1964. The decision is rooted in the belief that allowing the officers to continue in their respective positions would not be in the interest of public service and may cause embarrassment to the government.
The suspension order comes amidst an ongoing criminal investigation into the offenses related to the APSC Cash for Job Scam. The government has explicitly stated that this action is taken without prejudice to the departmental proceedings already initiated against the officers. It reflects the administration's commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness in public service.