Guwahati, 29th February: The vigilance cell of the Assam Chief Minister has submitted a chargesheet against the detained Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for alleged extortion. The charges stem from an investigation into the disproportionate assets amassed by Bhaskar Deka, AFS, DFO. The inquiry revealed that Deka’s income, along with his wife’s, exceeded their known legal sources, prompting allegations of misconduct despite his government position.
Upon concluding the probe, evidence emerged suggesting that Deka, as a public servant, engaged in corrupt practices to enrich himself. It was discovered that Deka undertook unauthorized foreign trips and attempted to dispose of his disproportionate assets. Consequently, he was apprehended on January 18, 2024, for failing to surrender his Indian passport and was subsequently remanded to police custody for five days before being transferred to judicial custody in Guwahati’s district central jail.
Throughout the investigation, a chartered accountant firm conducted a thorough forensic audit of Deka’s financial transactions and properties, revealing a disproportionate asset percentage of 183% compared to his known income. The chargesheet, filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, cites evidence of criminal misconduct by Deka.
Following the receipt of prosecution sanction from the Department of Environment and Forests, Government of Assam, the chargesheet was submitted under Vigilance Police Station Chargesheet No.03/2024 on February 29, 2024. The document spans 508 pages and indicates ongoing investigation into potential criminal conspiracy and abetment involving other individuals associated with Deka.
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