Guwahati: In a major anti-corruption crackdown, Surjya Baruah, the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Debitola under Parbhatjhora subdivision in Kokrajhar district, was arrested by the Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell on charges of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The arrest followed a sudden raid conducted by the Vigilance Cell team on Saturday at Baruah’s rented residence on NS Road in Dhubri. The raid began around 4 PM, during which the team questioned him and seized several documents believed to be linked to financial irregularities. Following the operation, Baruah was taken to Guwahati for further interrogation.
This action comes in the wake of an earlier operation on January 20, 2025, when the Vigilance Cell raided Baruah’s residences in Jayanagar and Bhangagarh, Guwahati. That search revealed a staggering Rs 45.77 lakh in unaccounted cash, over 10 tolas of gold ornaments, four high-end luxury vehicles, a .32 pistol with live ammunition, and numerous bank documents and incriminating papers.
Sources within the Vigilance Cell confirmed that the ongoing investigation had unearthed financial records and physical assets grossly exceeding Baruah’s official income, triggering legal proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act. His arrest marks another significant step in the Assam government’s intensified efforts to combat corruption and enforce accountability in public service.
Further investigations are underway to trace the full extent of Baruah’s assets and potential collusion with others.