USTM Chancellor brought back to Sribhumi, bail plea moved in Gauhati HC

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 28, 2025

The arrest of University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque has ignited a major controversy, drawing strong reactions from educators, students, and political observers.

Hoque, accused of alleged examination fraud, was brought back to Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj) on Friday evening, while the Gauhati High Court heard his bail plea. The court is set to announce its verdict on March 3, with a second bail petition to be filed on Monday.

Hoque and another faculty member, Numaan Ahmed, were moved from Karimganj to Guwahati on Thursday night and detained at Dispur Police Station. Authorities attempted to take Hoque to USTM for document verification but were unable to secure clearance from the Ri-Bhoi district police in Meghalaya.

The case stems from an FIR filed by a circle officer, accusing Hoque and five other educators of facilitating student promotions in exchange for bribes. Those arrested include Hiramani Saikia, Principal, Central Public School; Vijay Dutta, Rezak Ali, and Imdadur Rahman – Teachers.

The arrests have sparked massive protests from USTM students and faculty members, with hundreds gathering outside Dispur Police Station on Friday. Authorities deployed heavy police and paramilitary forces to manage the situation.

The controversy escalated after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that Hoque would “stay in jail for a long time.” The statement has drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing the Chief Minister of prejudging the case before judicial proceedings have concluded.