By Diana George
Copyright timesnownews
Guwahati, September 16: A young Assam bureaucrat, Nupur Bora, currently in her sixth year of service, was arrested Monday in connection with a corruption case involving alleged illegal land transfers in Barpeta. The crackdown comes amid the BJP-led government’s intensified drive against suspected Bangladeshi settlers in Assam. Assam Officer Arrested: Rs 1 Crore Cash, Diamonds Seized in Guwahati Raids Raids conducted by the Chief Minister’s vigilance cell on two of Bora’s apartments in Guwahati’s Gotanagar area recovered nearly Rs 1 crore in cash along with diamonds and other jewellery worth lakhs, police said. Bora, a 2019-batch ACS officer presently posted as circle officer of Goraimari in Kamrup district, is now in custody. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Speaks on Corruption in Revenue Circles CM Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrests, stating the action followed specific complaints about Bora hoarding cash and assets disproportionate to her known sources of income. “The government received information that this official was transferring Hindus’ land to another community when she was posted in Barpeta. She has been on our radar for the last six months,” Sarma said. New SOP on Inter-Religious Land Transactions The CM added that corruption remains widespread in revenue circles of minority-dominant districts. On August 27, the Assam cabinet approved a new SOP requiring clearance by the state police’s Special Branch for all inter-religious land transactions, citing concerns over demographic changes and national security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also flagged threats to Assam’s demography from illegal immigrants during his recent visit to the state. Investigation Ongoing: Multiple Properties Searched Police also conducted searches at four other locations, including the Barpeta house of Bora’s alleged accomplice, Surajit Deka. “The investigation is a work in progress. There are several allegations against the officer. We could seize more cash and other assets by the time the probe ends,” said SP Rosie Kalita, adding this is the 25th case registered with the vigilance cell. Bora, whose Instagram profile shows her interest in fashion, decor, and travel, owns multiple properties in Guwahati, according to police sources.
