Guwahati, 1st October: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday revealed that the previous Investigation Officer (IO) handling the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) examination in 2014-15 failed to send the answer books of 34 candidates for forensic analysis. CM Sarma mentioned that he had refrained from interfering in the independent investigation, but upon the High Court’s inquiry, he learned about the oversight. The state government now intends to send these answer books for forensic examination, with potential consequences for those found guilty.
CM Sarma addressed the recommendation from the Biplab Sharma Commission, which suggested removing all candidates from the 2014-15 APSC examination if they secured their jobs unfairly. However, he expressed reservations about this approach due to the potential impact on dedicated officers who had legitimately earned their positions. The government is awaiting the second report from the commission and may reconsider its decision based on the recommendations in that report.
Notably, a Special Investigating Team (SIT) was formed on September 29 to investigate the APSC recruitment scam, following direct orders from CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. The SIT, led by an Indian Police Service (IPS) level official, comprises various law enforcement personnel and has been tasked by the Gauhati High Court to submit its report within six months.