Shillong, Feb 22: Assam Police and the Special Task Force (STF) arrested Mahbubul Haque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), from his residence in Guwahati’s Ghoramara in connection with alleged irregularities in the CBSE Class 12 Physics examination.
According to officials, Haque’s arrest follows allegations of financial transactions facilitating unfair means for students during the exam. Reports indicate that 274 students appeared for the examination at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Assam’s Sribhumi district—45 from the school and 214 from the ERD Group. Allegations suggest that arrangements were made to assist ERD Group students in exchange for money. However, when the promised assistance did not materialize, chaos erupted at the examination center, prompting an official investigation.
Following complaints, authorities launched a probe, leading to Haque’s detention. He was taken to Panbazar Police Station for questioning, where his wife was also spotted. Officials confirmed that he is being transferred to Sribhumi for further interrogation. Haque’s family has not issued any statement regarding the arrest.
The arrest comes amid allegations from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who accused USTM of issuing fake degrees, financial irregularities, and fraudulent activities. “The head of USTM himself is a fraud. The entire system is fraudulent, and the institution has been issuing fake certificates,” Sarma alleged.
He also questioned Haque’s caste credentials, claiming his OBC certificate was forged. “Even his caste certificate is fake. How can our intellectuals praise someone who holds a false OBC certificate?” he remarked.
Sarma further alleged that PhDs were being sold at USTM without proper examinations and linked the institution’s financial troubles to government restrictions on foreign funding. “This financial crisis exists because we have blocked a significant amount of foreign funding,” he stated.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, with further developments expected in the coming days.
