Guwahati: The Assam government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) cash-for-job scam. The SIT was formed on September 30, 2023, and is headed by ADGP Munna Prasad Gupta. Other members of the SIT include Guwahati Joint Commissioner of Police Thube Prateek Vijay Kumar, two officers of the DSP rank, and two inspectors.
The SIT has been tasked with investigating all aspects of the cash-for-job scam, including the role of government officials, private individuals, and any other entities involved in the scam. The SIT has also been tasked with identifying and bringing to justice all those involved in the scam.
This crucial development was communicated to the Gauhati High Court by Nalin Kohli, the Additional Attorney General for Assam, during proceedings on Friday.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spearheaded the establishment of the SIT, underscoring the government’s commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.
The Gauhati High Court has set forth a timeline, mandating that the SIT must furnish a comprehensive report on its findings within six-month timeframe.
The SIT has been tasked with investigating all aspects of the cash-for-job scam, including the role of government officials, private individuals, and any other entities involved in the scam. The SIT has also been tasked with identifying and bringing to justice all those involved in the scam.
The SIT has been given a six-month period to complete its investigation and submit a report to the government. The government has also assured the SIT of full support and cooperation in its investigation.
The roots of this scandal can be traced back to the 2013 examination, which saw several successful candidates, including those selected for prestigious positions like Assam Civil Service (ACS) and Assam Police Service (APS), allegedly involved in illicit activities in collusion with the then APSC chairman, Rakesh Paul. This collusion eventually brought the cash-for-job scandal to light in 2016.
In response to these shocking revelations, authorities acted swiftly, apprehending 60 serving ACS and APS officers. Additionally, 39 officers were removed from their positions due to the discovery of irregularities. Rakesh Paul, who was taken into custody in 2016 along with other key figures, currently remains out on bail as the investigation continues.
The formation of the SIT is a welcome step by the Assam government. It is hoped that the SIT will be able to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the cash-for-job scam and bring all those involved to justice. This will help to restore public faith in the APSC and the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.