Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI: Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), was arrested by Assam police from his residence in Guwahati in the wee hours of Saturday in connection with his role in alleged malpractice in CBSE examinations.
According to police, a "law and order" situation had arisen at the Central Public School in the Patharkandi area of Sribhumi district during the CBSE class 12 physics examination held on Friday. Following this, Mahbubul Hoque was picked up by a team of Assam Police and STF. He was detained at Panbazar Police Station before being taken to Patharkandi.
Following his arrest, Hoque told reporters that he had been "summoned" by the police "for not allowing students to resort to cheating." He added, "I don't know anything more."
Assam's Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, took to X on Friday evening to say, "Shocking allegations have surfaced against @ustm_A's unethical practices in education. Students were reportedly assured assistance in the 30-mark MCQ section of their CBSE Class 12 exams at Central Public School, Patharkandi (owned by the USTM group). Many, mostly from Goalpara, were strategically placed there to gain an unfair advantage in exams. When external invigilators refused to comply, chaos ensued-teachers were locked inside, prompting police intervention," the post ended.
Mahbubul Hoque was detained by a police team in Guwahati, Assam, on Saturday morning at around 2 AM. According to reports, the arrest was carried out by a joint team comprising personnel from the Panbazar Police and the Special Task Force (STF) of the Assam Police. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today spoke before the media regarding the arrest of Hoque, saying, "For a long time now, I have been noticing a circle that changes the examination centres before medical, engineering, and CBSE exams, and students are taken to certain schools. 247 students from Goalpara, Nagaon, and Kamrup districts were given assurance of 30 extra marks and taken to a school in Patharkandi. Later, when they did not get the promised advantage, they raised a hue and cry. The circle has come to light gradually. This is not restricted to CBSE but prevails in medical entrance also, and this major fraud will soon be revealed. I have been saying that this person is a big fraud and his history is all about fraud. He brought some intellectuals under his influence and has been trying to mislead people. Slowly, everything will come to light. We will ensure that examinations are not turned into a market in the state."
According to police sources, a case (No. 54/2025) has been registered against Mahbubul Hoque at Patharkandi police station. Moreover, it was reported that another four teachers have also been arrested in this connection.
Also Read: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Accuses USTM Of Fraudulent Practices, Calls For Legal Action
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