APSC ADO Recruitment Scam: Rakesh Pal sentenced to 14 years in jail, 32 convicted

Digital Desk: The long-awaited sentencing in the cash-for-jobs scandal involving the appointment of Agricultural Development Officers (ADO) in Assam was delivered on Monday. The court has handed down varied punishments to 32 individuals convicted in the case, which was filed at the Bhangagarh police station in 2017 under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Former Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) chairman Rakesh Paul received the harshest sentence, being sentenced to 14 years in prison along with a fine of Rs 2 lakh. Co-accused Basanta Kumar Doley and Samedur Rahman were each sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment and fined Rs 50,000. The remaining 29 individuals, who were candidates involved in the scandal, have been sentenced to 4 years in jail and fined Rs 10,000 each.

The case, which came to light following a complaint from a failed candidate alleging financial transactions in exchange for altered exam marks, led to a thorough investigation. The complaint was filed after the candidate used the Right to Information (RTI) Act to uncover discrepancies in mark tabulation.

Judge Thakuria, who oversaw the trial, had previously acquitted 11 other accused due to insufficient evidence. Notably, APSC member Binita Rynjha turned approver in the case. 

A total of 44 people were initially implicated, including four APSC members, three middlemen, and 36 candidates. The case's gravity was underscored by its connection to another cash-for-jobs scandal involving the Combined Competitive Examinations (CCE) for civil and police officials. Since 2016, Assam Police have arrested nearly 70 individuals, including Paul and 57 civil service officials, for similar irregularities.

The sentences mark a significant development in the ongoing effort to address corruption within Assam’s recruitment processes and restore public trust in the system.