GUWAHATI: At a time when the nation is grappling with the NEET controversy, a marksheets tampering scandal has surfaced at Gauhati University.
The university authorities stand accused of allegedly tampering with marksheets in exchange for illicit financial gains.
The Assam Police and CID (Criminal Investigation Department) have launched a joint probe into the matter, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirming the arrest of the main accused.
Chief Minister Sarma, speaking during a visit to Barpeta on Thursday, revealed the extent of the malpractice.
“Our investigation over the past week has highlighted serious discrepancies in the marksheet updating system at Gauhati University,” he stated.
According to him, personnel managing the computerised marksheet system manipulated marks for students in return for monetary compensation.
“The vulnerability of the marksheet updating process allowed unauthorised access, enabling illegal mark inflation,” Chief Minister Sarma said.
He expressed also concern over the potential scale of the scam, noting that initial findings implicated six individuals, with expectations of more names emerging.
The Chief Minister also implicated the involvement of a firm responsible for maintaining records, suggesting a larger criminal conspiracy.
“The mastermind behind this scam is reportedly the head of this firm which is entrusted with the operations,” Sarma added.
The scandal came to light following the detection of forged marks for one Azizul Haque, a sixth-year undergraduate at Ganeshlal Chaudhary College (GLC College) in Barpeta Road.
Sarma assured rigorous efforts by state authorities to uncover the full extent of the fraud.
“We are coordinating closely with law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this matter,” he affirmed, underscoring the government’s commitment to uphold educational integrity.
Chief Minister Sarma also informed that Education Minister Ranoj Pegu has been briefed on the developments.
The revelation has sparked widespread concern over the reliability of academic assessments and raised questions about institutional oversight at Gauhati University.
Authorities are expected to meet Gauhati University Vice Chancellor today and intensify efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to unravel the complexities of the fraudulent scheme.
