Former Assam school principal, sister accused of collecting Rs 18 crore in job fraud case

A former principal of Barama Higher Secondary School and her sister have been accused of allegedly collecting around Rs 18 crore from unemployed youths by promising them government jobs in Assam, according to a complaint filed at Dispur police station in Guwahati.

The complaint was filed by Dhrubajyoti Haloi, a former student of retired principal Anupama Devi. He has alleged that Anupama Devi, her sister Dipika Devi and three others collected money from around 70-80 job seekers from Barama, Patacharkuchi, Nalbari and adjoining areas on the promise of securing government employment.

According to the allegations, the money was collected from 2024 with assurances of jobs in various departments under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), when Pramod Boro was serving as its Chief Executive Member.

The complainant has alleged that Anupama Devi's son is married to the sister-in-law of former BTC chief Pramod Boro. The alleged family connection was purportedly used to convince job seekers that the accused had access to people in positions of influence, the complaint stated.

Haloi has further alleged that financial transactions linked to the purported job racket were routed through his State Bank of India account at the Dispur branch. According to his complaint, money allegedly collected by Anupama Devi was deposited into his account and subsequently withdrawn. He also alleged that he received a portion of the money in return.

The complainant has alleged that the accused failed to provide the promised jobs despite collecting large sums from the job seekers. He further alleged that when the situation became difficult, Anupama Devi encouraged him to die.

Following the allegations, Haloi lodged a complaint against five people — Pulen Chandra Goswami, his wife Dipika Devi, Anupama Devi, Chakradhar Barman and Banjit Roy.

Dispur police registered a case on August 20 under Case No. 0617, invoking Sections 316(2), 318(4), 336(3) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The investigation is being conducted by Sub-Inspector Dipankar Chutia.

The allegations are part of the complaint and are yet to be established through investigation or judicial proceedings.