Assam: Video Of Police Being Frisked By Private Guards Sparks Debate; CM Sarma Reacts

A video showing police officers being frisked by private security guards employed by a university chancellor accused of forgery and exam malpractices has sparked debate online.

An X account named "Voice of Assam" shared the footage, suggesting that such scenes might be expected in Bangladesh, Pakistan, or films, but not in India.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/VoiceOfAxom

However, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the practice is legally permitted. Sharing the "Voice of Assam" post, he cited the specific law that allows a homeowner to request officers be searched before conducting a raid.

"As per Section 100(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, when police conduct a search of a residence, the owner has the right to request that the officers be searched first before they proceed with searching the premises," Sarma stated.

The video in question shows police officers entering the residence of Mahbubul Hoque, where his private security staff frisk them before allowing entry.

Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), was arrested by Assam Police last month over allegations of forging a caste certificate and facilitating exam malpractices in the CBSE Class 12 examinations.

On February 21, police detained Hoque during a late-night operation at his residence in Guwahati.

Sources suggest that Hoque allegedly accepted money from students, promising to assist them in cheating during the exams. However, when the plan failed, chaos erupted at the examination centre.

Following multiple complaints, an investigation was launched, leading to his arrest.

Addressing the case, Chief Minister Sarma accused Hoque of engaging in numerous fraudulent activities, including issuing fake degrees and financial misconduct. He further alleged that USTM was selling PhDs and other degrees without conducting examinations.

Hoque's university had previously been at the centre of controversy due to severe waterlogging during last year's monsoon. At the time, Sarma blamed extensive deforestation by certain educational institutions for flash floods, accusing Hoque of "flood jihad."

He further alleged that the university had failed to consult an architect when constructing new buildings, which could have helped preserve trees.

Sarma even suggested that teachers and students should avoid attending USTM. The university, however, denied all allegations.