SI Exam Scam: Hunt for fugitives intensifies, Assam Police announces cash price for information, 19 arrests so far

Guwahati: Assam Police on Monday announced cash rewards for information of two people -- retired DIG PK Dutta and Diban, a senior BJP leader who are absconding since the sub-inspector examination question paper leak case. Both are among the prime accused and have been on the run since the exam had to be called off due to the question paper leak.

Addressing the media, Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta and Additional Director General of Police in charge of Law & Order, GP Singh said that they have taken necessary measures to nab the prime accused in the case and has ensured that they do not cross the borders.

"We have issued a lookout notice against Dutta so that he cannot leave the country. All the relevant information has been disseminated about him," Singh said.

Mahanta said, ''19 people have been arrested so far including four CID officers. Hirakjyoti Baruah, Rituraj Bora, Rumat Deka were arrested while Jaydeep Baruah was nabbed in Tinsukia but was later admitted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.''

A separate case will be registered against Dutta's unaccounted wealth, ADGP Singh said adding that the Income Tax, Enforcement Directorate and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have already been informed about his list of properties running into several crores of rupees across the state.

Dutta has at least five luxury hotels and several residential properties and flats in Guwahati and Dibrugarh, 1,600 bighas of land in Cachar district and tea estates.

Documents related to the examinations, 1.522 kg of gold and a pistol, whose license has expired, were also seized during raids on Dutta's properties.

Earlier in the day, Dutta's driver and one bodyguard were arrested for their involvement in the case.

Further, objectionable items have been recovered from three different places including Rs.5.5 lakhs have been seized from the hotel manager of Bhargav Lodge.

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