A video of a controversial police raid in Assam is rapidly going viral on social media. The video shows police officers searching the personal security guards of Mahbubul Haque, the Chancellor of the Meghalaya-based University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM), who is accused of examination malpractice and fraud.
New Delhi: A video of a contentious police raid in Assam is rapidly circulating on social media. The footage depicts police officers searching the personal security guards of Mahbubul Haque, Chancellor of the Meghalaya-based University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM), who stands accused of examination irregularities and fraud. This incident has sparked considerable debate, although Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended it as lawful.
An X (formerly Twitter) handle called 'Voice of Assam' shared the video, commenting, "Such anarchy is expected in Bangladesh, Pakistan, or in movies, but not in India." This post prompted many to question the Assam government's response to the event.
CM Sarma's Legal Justification
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded by clarifying that under Section 100(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1973, any individual has the right to demand a search of police officers before they conduct a search of their premises. Sarma retweeted the 'Voice of Assam' post, stating, "This is part of the law and has been followed."
Allegations Against Mahbubul Haque
Mahbubul Haque, Chancellor of Meghalaya's USTM University, was arrested by Assam police last month on charges of possessing a forged caste certificate, examination malpractice, and financial irregularities. Sources indicate Haque allegedly aided students in using unfair means during examinations in exchange for money. Assam police raided his Guwahati residence on February 21st and subsequently arrested him.
CM Sarma's Allegation of 'Flood Jihad'
Mahbubul Haque has faced controversies before. During last year's monsoon season and the subsequent heavy flooding in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Sarma accused him of "Flood Jihad." Sarma claimed that Haque's university engaged in extensive deforestation for construction, exacerbating the flood situation. He also alleged that USTM was selling PhDs and other degrees without conducting examinations.
The incident during the police raid has become a subject of legal and political debate. While the Assam government is conducting a detailed investigation into the allegations against Mahbubul Haque, his supporters claim that he is a victim of political conspiracy.
