Assam: SI recruitment scam prime accused P K Dutta sent to 6-day CID custody

Guwahati: PK Dutta, the former Assam DIG, who was arrested after a massive manhunt for his alleged role in a cash-for-jobs scam in the Assam Police, has been remanded to 6-day CID custody on Wednesday (October 7).

Although the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police had sought custody of the ex-IPS officer for 7 days, the court of the chief judicial magistrate of Kamrup Metro district sent Dutta to the custody of the CID for a period of 6 days.

Before being presented at the Court, Dutta was taken to a city hospital for a health evaluation. He was also subjected to a COVID-19 test. Although his COVID-19 test report was 'negative', it was discovered that Dutta was suffering from hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. A report from the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) declared that he is "fine", but has a host of worrying underlying conditions.

Earlier, the retired DIG was arrested from Kakarbhitta along the Indo-Nepal border by Darjeeling Police. A team of Assam Police reached there and the absconding former DIG was brought back to the CID office in Guwahati city on Tuesday night.

The former police officer was arrested in a case No 21/20 IPC Sec 120(B), 409 RW 66(B) registered by the CID of Assam Police.

Dutta and ruling BJP leader Diban Deka are suspected to have assured jobs to many candidates in lieu of cash. Deka, who was also arrested on October 1, is alleged to have procured the question paper ahead of the written test.

Deka had surrendered at Patacharkuchi area of Bajali district amid a massive manhunt to trace the absconding suspects. He was arrested by the additional director general of police (ADGP), law and order, GP Singh, and deputy commissioner of police (DCP), crime, Barun Purkayastha.

Set to be held on September 20, the written test for Assam Police sub-inspector (UB) was cancelled after the leakage of question papers on social media. The exam scheduled to be held for the recruitment of 597 posts of SI (UB) of Assam Police was scheduled at 154 centres in all the districts of Assam.

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