A video showing police being frisked by private security guards at USTM has raised eyebrows online. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended this practice as legal under Section 100(3) of the CrPC, stating property owners can request searches of officers. Hoque, who was arrested for alleged malpractices, faces numerous fraud allegations, implicating USTM’s integrity.
In Guwahati, a video has emerged depicting police officers being frisked by private security guards employed by Mahbubul Hoque, the Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM). This incident, linked to allegations of forgery and examination malpractices, has sparked a debate regarding law enforcement protocols in India. The video was shared on social media by an account named ‘Voice of Assam’, which criticized the situation as indicative of potential lawlessness in India, contrasting it with issues seen in neighboring countries or films.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to the public’s concerns by clarifying that such procedures are legally permissible under Indian law. He cited Section 100(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) from 1973, stating that property owners are entitled to request the search of law enforcement officers during a search of their premises. This clarification aimed to address the outcry and reinforce legal standards governing search operations.
Mahbubul Hoque was arrested following a late-night operation by police on February 21, amid allegations that he engaged in fraudulent activities involving a forged caste certificate and facilitating cheating during the CBSE Class 12 examinations. Reports suggest that Mr. Hoque solicited payments from students to assist them in employing unfair means, which ultimately led to chaos at the examination center and subsequent investigations.
In discussing the broader implications of Mr. Hoque’s actions, Chief Minister Sarma indicated that the chancellor was involved in various illicit activities, including the distribution of fake degrees. He also accused USTM of financial irregularities and of providing degrees without proper examinations. The university previously faced scrutiny over issues such as heavy waterlogging, which the chief minister attributed to deforestation practices by educational institutions, specifically referencing Mr. Hoque’s actions.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding USTM has led to significant backlash, with Chief Minister Sarma calling for teachers and students to sever ties with the institution until these accusations are resolved. In contrast, the university has denied all allegations against its administration, emphasizing its commitment to educational integrity and proper regulatory practices.
The recent incident involving the frisking of police officers by private security guards at USTM has elicited widespread public concern and debate regarding legal protocols in India. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma provided clarification on the legal basis for such actions under the CrPC, seeking to dispel notions of lawlessness. Meanwhile, the growing allegations against Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque highlight ongoing issues of fraud and malpractice within the educational sector.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
