USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque sent to four-day police custody amid examination fraud allegations

University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque has been remanded to four days of police custody in connection with an alleged examination fraud, as per orders from the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court. 

The case, registered under Patharkandi police station (Case No. 55), involves multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Public Administration Prohibition Act.

Along with Hoque, USTM Vice Chancellor, Central Public School Principal Hiramani Saikia, and teachers Vijay Dutta, Rezak Ali, Numan Ahmed, and Imdadur Rahman have also been placed in four-day police remand. The court, however, denied bail and remand in another related case (Case No. 54).

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The legal action follows revelations by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding an alleged examination fraud linked to USTM. The Chief Minister shared details of students who were reportedly promised higher marks in their CBSE examinations by Hoque. "Assam Police is investigating the matter, and a case has been registered. This is a serious issue, and we seek cooperation from all concerned," Sarma stated.

Hoque was arrested in a late-night operation on February 21 from his residence in Ghoramara, Guwahati. The investigation revolves around financial transactions allegedly linked to promises of exam assistance during the CBSE Class 12 Physics examination at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sribhumi district. Reports indicate that 274 students took the exam at the centre, including 214 from the ERD Group. However, the promised assistance did not materialize, leading to disruptions at the examination venue.

The case has sparked widespread debate over academic integrity, with authorities vowing stringent action against those involved in malpractices affecting the education system.