Video Captures Private Security Personnel Frisking Police Officers in Assam. Himanta Sarma Responds

Guwahati:

A video showing policemen being frisked by the private security guards of a university chancellor accused of forgery and exam malpractices has sparked questions online. An X (formerly Twitter) handle named ‘Voice of Assam’ shared the video, suggesting that such lawlessness might be expected in Bangladesh, Pakistan, or in films, but not in India.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, however, clarified the situation, stating that this is permitted under the law. Sharing the ‘Voice of Assam’ post, he pointed out the specific law that allows a homeowner to request that police officers be searched before conducting a raid.

As per Section 100(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, when police conduct a search of a residence, the owner has the right to request that the officers be searched first before they proceed with searching the premises. https://t.co/pHvLtFobXZ

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 1, 2025

“As per Section 100(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, when police conduct a search of a residence, the owner has the right to request that the officers be searched first before they proceed with searching the premises,” said Mr. Sarma.

The video in question shows police officers entering the house of Mahbubul Hoque and being frisked by the private security guards employed by the educator.

Mr. Hoque, the Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), was arrested by Assam Police last month over allegations of forging a caste certificate and involvement in malpractices during the CBSE Class 12 exam.

On February 21, a police team picked up Mr. Hoque in a late-night operation from his Guwahati residence. Sources indicate that Hoque allegedly took money from students to help them use unfair means in the exam. This plan ultimately failed, leading to chaos at the examination center.

Following complaints, an investigation was launched, and Mr. Hoque was arrested.

Addressing the issue, Chief Minister Sarma stated that Mr. Hoque was involved in a series of fraudulent activities, including issuing fake degrees and financial irregularities. He also alleged that the university sold PhDs and other degrees without conducting exams.

Mr. Hoque’s university had previously been embroiled in controversy due to severe waterlogging during the last monsoon season. Mr. Sarma blamed large-scale deforestation by some educational institutions for the flash floods, accusing Mr. Hoque of engaging in “flood jihad.”

He alleged that the university did not consult an architect while constructing new buildings, which could have saved the trees. Sarma suggested that teachers and students should stop attending USTM. The university has denied these allegations.