By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Guwahati (Assam): In a stunning fall from grace, 35-year-old Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer Nupur Bora has been arrested by the Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell for her alleged role in a major corruption and land scam. Once regarded as a rising star in the state’s bureaucracy, Bora now faces serious charges after raids revealed large caches of unaccounted wealth and irregular land dealings.
Arrest and raids across Assam
Bora, currently serving as Circle Officer of Goroimari in Kamrup district, was taken into custody on Monday following months of surveillance. Investigators allege she was involved in manipulating land transfers in exchange for bribes during her tenure in Barpeta.
During raids, vigilance teams seized ₹92 lakh in cash and jewellery worth nearly ₹1 crore from her residence in Guwahati. An additional ₹10 lakh in cash was recovered from her rented accommodation in Barpeta. Officials also searched the home of Surajit Deka, a Lat Mandal in Barpeta Revenue Circle and reportedly a close associate of Bora. Authorities suspect the duo jointly acquired multiple land properties through illegal means.
Early life and education
Born on 31 March 1989 in Golaghat district, Bora studied English Literature at Cotton College before completing her Bachelor of Arts degree at Gauhati University. Prior to joining the civil service, she briefly worked as a lecturer at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), as indicated on her social media profiles.
Career trajectory
Bora entered the Assam Civil Service in 2019, beginning her career as Assistant Commissioner in Karbi Anglong. She held the post until June 2023, after which she was transferred to Barpeta as Circle Officer. Her current posting in Kamrup was considered a stepping stone in her administrative career.
Her arrest marks a dramatic reversal of fortunes, particularly as she had been seen as a symbol of aspiration for young Assamese women aiming for civil services.
Allegations of irregular land transfers
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that Bora was under the scanner for allegedly transferring land belonging to Hindus to “suspicious individuals” for financial gain during her posting in Barpeta. “We are taking strict action. Corruption in revenue offices, particularly in minority-dominated areas, remains a serious concern,” Sarma told reporters.
Investigators believe Bora’s case could expose a wider network of corruption in land administration, with more officials likely to come under scrutiny.
A case that has gripped Assam
The arrest has sent shockwaves across Assam, sparking public debate over corruption in the bureaucracy. For many, the case is emblematic of systemic failures in revenue offices where land disputes and illegal transactions have long been a source of controversy.
Public opinion is divided, with some calling for swift justice and stricter oversight mechanisms, while others express concern that the case could deepen communal fault lines given the Chief Minister’s remarks.
Bora remains in custody as the probe widens, and authorities have hinted at further property seizures and possible arrests of accomplices. For the people of Assam, the case has raised pressing questions about transparency, integrity, and accountability within the state’s civil services. What was once the story of a promising young officer has now become a cautionary tale of power, corruption, and downfall.
