“Stop patronising USTM”: Assam CM reiterates fraud allegations after woman arrested in Delhi for impersonating as foreign diplomat

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, January 25 launched a fresh salvo against University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), following the arrest of an Assam woman allegedly linked to the institution on charges of fraud, impersonation of a foreign diplomat, and misuse of forged embassy number plates in Delhi.

Addressing the media, Sarma reiterated his long-standing allegations against USTM, claiming the institution was “based on fraud” and warning students and parents in Assam against pursuing education there. He asserted that multiple cases involving alleged fake certificates and cheating were already pending against the institution and its chancellor Mahbubul Hoque.

“For the past several days, I have been informing the people of Assam that USTM is known for fraud. The entire system is allegedly built on fraudulent practices,” the Chief Minister said. Referring to a past controversy, Sarma questioned the institution’s credibility, citing an earlier assurance to demolish a disputed tomb structure on campus, which, he claimed, was never acted upon.

The Chief Minister further alleged that USTM has been accused in cases related to the production of fake Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates, fraudulent medical certificates, and cheating. He claimed that after the recent controversy surfaced, the name of the arrested woman was swiftly removed from USTM’s official website to distance the institution from her.

“That woman was arrested by Assam Police on charges of fraud, impersonating a foreign diplomat, and using vehicles with forged embassy number plates,” Sarma said, adding that the development vindicated his earlier warnings.

In a strong advisory, Sarma appealed specifically to Assam’s Sanatani community, urging them not to send their children to USTM. He cautioned that academic certificates obtained from the institution over several years could potentially lose validity if legal action proceeds.

“There is a real possibility that certificates earned over three to four years of study may vanish,” the Chief Minister warned.

Sarma also made serious allegations against USTM Chancellor Mahbabul Hoque, claiming that his earlier sources of income were allegedly linked to organisations such as Al-Qaeda. “We have proof,” the Chief Minister said, without elaborating further.

Reiterating his stand, Sarma said he had consistently urged people to stop patronising USTM, and asserted that the recent arrest further strengthened his position.

The arrest in Delhi has triggered political reactions and intensified scrutiny of USTM, even as the institution has yet to issue a detailed response to the latest allegations.