Assam: Dhubri Law College students continue indefinite strike over financial scam allegations

Students of Dhubri Law College, led by the Dhubri district unit of the All Assam Law Students' Union (AALSU), have entered the third day of an indefinite sit-in strike, protesting against a multi-crore financial scam allegedly involving the college administration. The students are demanding a thorough investigation into claims of misuse of student fees and scholarship funds, which they argue has severely impacted their education.

The protest, which commenced on November 5, revolves around accusations of financial mismanagement that has plagued various aspects of the college's administration, including admissions and scholarship disbursements. AALSU members allege that the funds intended for student welfare have been diverted for personal gain, jeopardizing the academic future of the college's students.

On Thursday, a delegation from AALSU, led by General Secretary Nasim Ahmed, visited the college to show solidarity with the striking students and assess the situation. Speaking to the media, Dhubri district AALSU President Mirza Alam Sheikh and General Secretary Shahnawaz Hussain Khandkar held Principal Mridula Barman accountable for allegedly orchestrating the financial irregularities. According to the students, her actions have tarnished the college's reputation and put the academic aspirations of many students at risk.

Along with Principal Barman, AALSU leaders have implicated Academic Coordinator Taufiqul Islam and Assistant Officer Zahid Hussain, accusing them of being complicit in the scam under the pretext of managing student admissions and scholarships. In response, Principal Barman is said to have suspended Islam and Hussain from their positions, a move that the students believe is an attempt to shield herself while distancing her colleagues from the scandal.

This latest strike follows a previous incident earlier this year, when college employee Shivtosh Mahato was arrested on June 28 for allegedly manipulating student marksheets for financial gain. Mahato, a computer operator, was accused of altering grades in exchange for payment, adding another layer of controversy to the ongoing scandal.

In addition to the financial irregularities, students have expressed their dissatisfaction with the college administration’s actions regarding the formation of a student union committee on October 22. The committee, made up of ten handpicked students, was established without an election, which has sparked resentment among the larger student body, who feel marginalized and excluded from the decision-making process.

In light of these developments, the AALSU has called on the Assam state administration to intervene urgently. The Union has demanded a high-level inquiry into the allegations of financial mismanagement and has urged Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to personally address their grievances and ensure accountability within the college administration.