Guwahati, July 22, 2024 – In a landmark judgment, the Gauhati High Court on Monday convicted 33 individuals, including the former chairman of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC), Rakesh Paul, in connection with the notorious cash-for-job scam. The case, registered under Bhangagarh PS Case No. 159/2017, has been a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the state's recruitment processes.

Rakesh Paul, the then APSC chairman, was found to have played a pivotal role in the scam, particularly in the recruitment of Agricultural Development Officers (ADO) during his tenure. Alongside him, other APSC members convicted include Basanta Kumar Doley, Samedur Rahman, and Binata Rynjha. In addition, the court convicted 36 candidates, one APSC employee, and three middlemen involved in the fraudulent activities.

The APSC cash-for-job scandal first came to light in 2015-16, revealing a deeply entrenched system of corruption where candidates allegedly bribed officials to secure government positions for which they were unqualified. The investigation, which spanned several years, highlighted the significant role Rakesh Paul played in orchestrating the fraudulent activities related to the ADO recruitment process.

After extensive legal proceedings, the court found 34 of the accused guilty, while 10 others were acquitted. The acquitted individuals are Vikas Pincha, Kunal Das, Kaushik Kalita, Musharaf Hussian, Beauty Gogoi, Feroz Maran, Jyotiban Dutta, Seiz Ali Zohri, Dritiman Roy, and Mausomi Saikia.

The convictions mark a significant victory in the fight against corruption within the Assam Public Service Commission and serve as a stern warning to those who seek to undermine the integrity of public service recruitment. The verdict is expected to restore some level of public trust in the system and pave the way for more transparent and fair recruitment processes in the future.

The Gauhati High Court's ruling on the APSC cash-for-job scam underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring accountability. As the state moves forward, it is hoped that such decisive actions will deter future malpractices and uphold the principles of meritocracy and justice in public service appointments.