Guwahati, July 29, 2024 — The court has pronounced sentences for 32 individuals convicted in the high-profile cash-for-jobs scandal involving the recruitment of Agricultural Development Officers (ADOs) in Assam.
- Rakesh Pal, former Chairman of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC), received a 14-year prison sentence along with a ₹2 lakh fine.
- Basanta Kumar Doley and Samedur Rahman were each sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined ₹50,000.
- The remaining 29 convicted candidates face 4 years of imprisonment and a ₹10,000 fine each.
The convictions followed a ruling on July 22, 2024, under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case originated in 2017 at the Bhangagarh police station and involved fraudulent practices in the recruitment process.
Judge Thakuria acquitted 11 accused due to a lack of evidence. Binita Rynjha, an APSC member, turned approver during the proceedings. Of the 44 originally charged, the case encompassed four commission members, three intermediaries, and 36 candidates.
The scandal came to light when a candidate claimed that marks had been altered in exchange for money, prompting a detailed investigation. An RTI application further revealed inconsistencies in the marks tabulation.
Rakesh Pal, previously arrested in connection with another cash-for-jobs scandal involving the Combined Competitive Examinations, is among those implicated in broader recruitment irregularities.
Since 2016, Assam Police have apprehended nearly 70 individuals, including Pal and 57 civil service officials, in relation to similar corruption cases.