Guwahati: The Chancellor of Meghalaya’s University of Science and Technology, Mohammad Haque, was produced before the Sonitpur Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Tezpur on Thursday.
Haque, who was arrested for allegedly promising students unfair means during examinations, is facing a slew of legal challenges as investigations continue.
Chief Judicial Magistrate H.J. Kashyap heard arguments from Haque’s legal counsel and the public prosecutor. A ruling on the matter is yet to be announced.
Earlier, the Gauhati High Court granted bail to Haque in two cases registered in Sribhumi district on March 3 but restrained his arrest in three other cases lodged in Gossaigaon, Kokrajhar, and Barpeta.
Despite this, Sonitpur police apprehended him in connection with another case registered in the district.
Haque and five teachers from a school in Patharkandi, Sribhumi, were initially arrested on February 22 on allegations of allowing students from other districts to write their CBSE Class 12 board exams at the school under assurances of unfair practices to secure high marks.
Following their arrest, Haque was held in judicial custody for 14 days.
The USTM Chancellor, who also heads the ERD Foundation and operates various educational institutions, has been at the center of controversy.
ALSO READ: India’s IT exports hit $200 billion milestone in FY 2023-24
In addition to the examination scandal, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Haque of fraudulent activities, describing him as a “big fraud.”
Sarma also alleged that Haque obtained an OBC certificate fraudulently in the 1990s, which was later cancelled.
The chief minister had announced in August that legal action would be taken against Haque over the fraudulent certificate.
Haque’s troubles deepened as Sarma blamed him and USTM for contributing to Guwahati’s flood issues.
The chief minister alleged that water runoff from the university campus, located on a hill adjacent to the city, exacerbates flooding in the region.
