‘SIT Forms to Investigate APSC Cash-for-Jobs Scandal’, Assam Govt to HC

The Gauhati High Court was informed recently that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the state government to investigate the alleged cash-for-jobs scandal involving the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).

The state’s Director-General of Police (DGP) established the SIT in response to a letter from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma instructing an inquiry into the matter, Senior Additional Advocate General Nalin Kohli informed a bench of Justice Susmita Phukan Khaund.

AAG Kohli also apprised the court that he has received oral instructions indicating that the SIT is aiming to conclude its investigation within a six-month timeframe.

Meanwhile, the lawyer representing the candidates accused of offering bribes in exchange for civil service positions alleged that they were unfairly singled out for punishment without being granted an opportunity to present their case, while others, against whom there was substantial evidence, were not subject to scrutiny.

Justice Khaund asked the newly constituted SIT to provide an interim report in a sealed cover.

The APSC became embroiled in a cash-for-job scandal, resulting in the arrest of nearly 70 individuals, including its former chairman Rakesh Kumar Paul and 57 civil service officials, since 2016.

Paul was taken into custody by the police in November 2016 and was released on bail in March of this year.