Assam CM's vigilance cell raids Dhubri social welfare office amid ongoing probe against Surjya Baruah

The Chief Minister's Special Vigilance Cell on Wednesday raided the office of the Social Welfare Department in Dhubri district following persistent allegations of irregularities in child development schemes. 

The action marks a key development in the ongoing investigation linked to Surjya Baruah, a former official under scrutiny for alleged financial misconduct.

The raid was launched amid long-standing complaints of corruption during Baruah’s tenure in the department, particularly involving the implementation of Integrated Child Development Projects (ICDPs). The Vigilance Cell is said to be examining various irregularities tied to schemes under the Social Welfare Department in Dhubri.

Wednesday's operation follows an earlier major development on April 8 this year, when Surjya Baruah — then serving as the ICDP Officer of Debitola under Kokrajhar district — was arrested by the Vigilance Cell. At the time, officials also raided his rented accommodation on NS Road in Dhubri and questioned him extensively. His residence in Guwahati had also been searched during that phase of the investigation.

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During today’s raid, Project Officers from all ICDP offices in Dhubri district were summoned to the Social Welfare Department’s office, where records and documents were reportedly scrutinised. Later, the Vigilance Cell team also visited Hotel Samrat in Dhubri, a location linked to Baruah.

According to the hotel’s owner, Surjya Baruah was a regular guest and had periodically rented rooms there in addition to his private accommodation in the town. Investigators are examining his stays for potential leads tied to the case.

Officials from the Vigilance Cell have maintained silence on the details of the ongoing probe, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation. “All aspects are under examination,” said one officer, refusing to comment further.

Sources close to the development revealed that several employees and officers who were active in the Social Welfare Department during Baruah’s tenure are now facing questioning. The investigation continues to widen, and further actions are expected in the coming days as the Vigilance Cell digs deeper into the alleged misappropriation of funds and procedural violations.