In a major development in the fight against corruption, Assam’s Dhubri district witnessed the arrest of two government officers, and the discovery of a substantial sum of ₹ 2.32 crore in cash at the residence of one of them. The incident came to light through an official statement released on Saturday, prompting widespread attention and appreciation for the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption’s swift action.
Among the apprehended individuals was an Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer, adding to the gravity of the situation. The investigation was initiated in response to a complaint alleging corrupt practices by Dhubri Zilla Parishad CEO Biswajit Goswami, who was accused of demanding a bribe equivalent to 9 per cent of the total bill amount for completed works from a contractor.
Acting with precision and meticulousness, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption devised a well-planned trap that led to the red-handed apprehension of Mrinal Kanti Sarkar, the additional district program manager of Dhubri, accepting ₹ 30,000 as a part of the bribe demanded, within the confines of the CEO’s office. The subsequent arrest of Biswajit Goswami, the ACS officer, further bolstered the authorities’ efforts to root out corruption.
During the search conducted at Biswajit Goswami’s premises, investigators stumbled upon a staggering sum of ₹ 2.32 crore in cash, raising eyebrows and indicating the scale of the illicit activities. The search yielded more than just cash, as several documents pertaining to property purchases, multiple bank accounts, and other investments were unearthed, potentially shedding light on the extent of the officer’s involvement in corrupt dealings.
The commendable success of the anti-corruption drive did not go unnoticed, as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the investigators. Under his leadership, 117 government employees have been arrested in connection with corruption charges since he assumed office on May 10, 2021. The Chief Minister pledged to continue the administration’s unwavering efforts to combat corruption and ensure a fair and transparent system for the benefit of the people.
This recent operation in Dhubri district serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding ethical conduct and integrity within the government machinery. As the state authorities continue their relentless pursuit of justice, the hope is that such stringent actions will serve as a deterrent against corrupt practices and foster an environment of trust and accountability.