Crime Branch takes custody of prime accused in SI recruitment Scam Diban Deka

GUWAHATI: The Crime Branch of Guwahati Police has taken five-day remand of Diban Deka – one of the prime accused in the recruitment scam pertaining to Sub Inspectors (unarmed) in the State. On Thursday evening, the CJM Court had put him on the remand. Meanwhile, there is no clue as to the whereabouts of former DIG (Deputy Inspector General) of Assam Police PK Dutta – another prime accused.

Police have claimed that Diban was arrested at Patacharkuchi in Barpeta district late Wednesday night. Then, Diban was taken under tight security to the office of the Special Branch of Assam Police in Guwahati, and kept in a lockup of the Special Operation Unit there.

Earlier on Wednesday, acting on a tipoff that Diban was seen in lower Assam, a number of Police teams were sent to
various suspected locations there. Apprehending that he might try to enter Guwahati, police had also launched search operations in vehicles at various entry points of the city.

Meanwhile, speculations are rife as to whether Diban was arrested or he surrendered. A source informed, "Diban surrendered before the Police. It was for this purpose that Diban — along with his wife — was on his way in an ambulance to Guwahati that night. During the earlier few days, he was outside Assam. After returning two days back, he was hiding at various places here."

Guwahati Police Commissioner MP Gupta said, "The CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) does not have any reference to 'surrender'. Following a tipoff, we arrested him. Detailed questioning will reveal his whereabouts during the last few days... Then we'll also know about his involvement in the case. We are closely following the links. Law will take its own course."

The CID (Criminal Investigation Department) of the Assam Police arrested three more persons on Wednesday taking the number of such arrests by the agency to eight till date.

Of the three new arrests, two have been identified as Dilip Gogoi alias Bhai (55 years) and Priyanath Gogoi alias Jintu Gogoi (42 years). Both are from Dibrugarh and accomplices of absconding prime accused PK Dutta. The third person — Anwar Ali (31 years) – was arrested from Baihata Chariali. Ali was involved in concealment of evidences, said police.

The Nalbari Police also detained three more persons on Thursday. They have been identified as Nitul Barman, Jahirul Islam, and Jitul Hussain. Sources added that Nitul Barman was involved in cash transactions with many candidates. He is a close associate of Kumud Goswami (from Nalbari) who is presently under the custody of Crime Branch. Goswami is a Gram Sewak of the Agriculture department.

Also Watch: SI Recruitment Scam Accused Diban Deka at CJM Court