Investigating top cop gets death threats

APSC SCAM CASE

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH, Feb 16: In a disturbing twist to the ongoing investigation into the APSC cash-for-jobs scam, the investigating officer of the case, Surjeet Singh Panesar, has received death threats by unknown callers.

On the basis of the FIR lodged by Panesar, a case (No. 182/17 under section 353, 507 IPC) has been registered at Dibrugarh police station for investigation into the matter. The death threats through phone calls and SMS from an unknown number are suspected to have come after summons were issued to former minister Gautam Roy to appear before Dibrugarh Police in connection with the APSC scam case.

The officer in-charge of Dibrugarh police station, Sideshwar Bora, has stated that investigation was on at primary level, adding that Panesar was issued death threats as he is investigating the APSC scam case.

Additiol Superintendent of Police Surjit Singh Panesar later told mediapersons that he received the death threat call from mobile phone number 7636930345 and also an SMS. Panesar, however, stated that investigation into the APSC scam would continue despite such threats.

There is much sensation in Dibrugarh district following the news of Panesar being given death threats by unidentified persons. The APSC scam came to light after Dibrugarh Police arrested the Assistant Engineer of Dibrugarh Town Planning Department, bakanta Patir, whose disclosures later led to the arrest of several officials, including APSC chief Rakesh Paul and members Samedur Rahman and Basanta Doley.