Justice Served: APSC Cash-for-Job Scam Mastermind Rakesh Paul Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison – Northeast News Exclusive!
GUWAHATI: Today, the quantum of punishment was delivered for 32 individuals, including former Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) chairman Rakesh Paul, convicted in the cash-for-jobs scandal pertaining to the appointment of agricultural development officers (ADO) in Assam.
Rakesh Paul received a 14-year prison sentence and a fine of Rs 2 lakh for his significant involvement in the corruption scheme. Key accused Basanta Kumar Doley and Samedur Rahman were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, alongside a fine of Rs 50,000. The remaining 29 candidates involved received 4-year jail terms and fines of Rs 10,000 each.
The court decision, rendered by Special Judge Dipankar Thakuria, is regarded as a crucial advancement in Assam’s ongoing battle against corruption. The verdict followed the conviction of 32 people on July 22, in a case filed in 2017 at the Bhangagarh police station under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation began after a candidate, who failed to secure a job, lodged a complaint noting that another candidate’s marks had been artificially inflated in exchange for money. This complaint was supported by findings from an RTI application regarding mark tabulations.
Initially, the case had 44 accused, which included four APSC members and an employee, three middlemen, and 36 candidates. However, 11 individuals were acquitted due to insufficient evidence, and APSC member Binita Rynjha turned approver.
Paul and several other APSC officials had previously faced arrest in another cash-for-jobs case related to the Combined Competitive Examinations (CCE) for civil and police official recruitment.
Today’s verdict symbolizes a stringent crack-down on corruption and sends a stern message about the consequences of unethical practices within the public service commission.
Original Story https://nenews.in/assam/apsc-cash-for-job-scam-key-accused-rakesh-paul-sentenced-to-14-years-in-prison/12322/
Category : Assam,Assam Public Service Commission,Rakesh Paul
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