GUWAHATI: In a startling revelation, the Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption, Assam, has uncovered a major corruption scandal involving a high-ranking public servant.
Biswajit Goswami, the CEO of Zila Parishad, Dhubri, and his accomplice Mrinal Kanti Sarkar, Additional District Program Manager, were arrested on July 21, 2023, after being caught red-handed accepting bribes.
A complaint lodged with the Directorate alleged that Biswajit Goswami demanded a 9% cut of the total bill amount for completed works as a bribe from the complainant.
Refusing to comply, the complainant sought legal action against the accused and filed a complaint with the Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption, Assam.
A team from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption laid a trap in the office of CEO Zila Parishad, Dhubri. At 7:30 PM, Mrinal Kanti Sarkar was apprehended inside the CEO's office, moments after accepting a bribe of ₹30,000 from the complainant, following the CEO's instructions.
The tainted bribe money was recovered from Sarkar's possession, and independent witnesses were present to validate the seizure.
The search extended to the residences of Biswajit Goswami, where an astonishing amount of cash was found.
A total of ₹2,32,85,300 was discovered in the raids. Among this amount, ₹1,69,000 was seized from his official residence in Dhubri, and a staggering ₹2,31,16,300 was found at his residence in Bongaigaon.
Independent witnesses were present during the searches, ensuring transparency in the process.
Moreover, the search yielded crucial evidence related to property purchases, multiple bank accounts, and other investments.
In light of the substantial evidence against the two accused public servants, Biswajit Goswami and Mrinal Kanti Sarkar, both were arrested on the spot by the Directorate's team.
The case has been registered at the ACB Police Station under Section 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).
The Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption, Assam, is currently carrying out necessary legal follow-up actions.