Gauhati University has been rocked by revelations of a massive marksheet scam, with allegations that university officials have been inflating students' marks in exchange for money.
The scam came to light after an investigation into a forgery case involving a student from Ganeshlal Chaudhary College in Barpeta.
Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the media on Thursday during his visit to Barpeta, confirming that those responsible for managing the university's computerized marksheet system were found to be taking bribes to increase students' marks. The chief minister revealed that the main accused in the scam has already been arrested, and six cases related to the incident have surfaced so far.
Dr Sarma stated that both the Assam Police and the CID are jointly investigating the scam, uncovering a network of corruption within the university's grading system. The scandal initially broke when the college authorities detected the forgery of marks by Azizul Haque, a sixth-year undergraduate student. Reports suggest that the Barpeta police attempted to cover up the incident rather than arrest Haque, prompting media coverage and intervention by the chief minister.
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Further investigations by Barpeta police have since revealed multiple instances of mark sheet scams within the district. The chief minister expressed concerns that such fraudulent activities might be occurring in other universities as well, and has ordered a continued inquiry into the matter.
Additionally, Dr Sarma mentioned that the ongoing investigation has unearthed similar scams in areas such as Kalgachia in Barpeta. He also confirmed that the investigating team would be questioning the Registrar of Gauhati University as part of their probe.
As the investigation continues, the chief minister's remarks highlight the extent of the corruption and the measures being taken to ensure accountability and transparency within the state's educational institutions.