In a significant crackdown on corruption, a top-ranking Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer, Nupur Bora, was arrested on Monday after a raid on her residence unearthed a substantial amount of cash and valuables. A team from the Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell (CM’s SVC) conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations linked to the officer and her associate, seizing cash and jewellery worth an estimated two crore rupees. The operation, which follows a months-long surveillance, has highlighted the state government’s commitment to combating corruption and misuse of public office.
The raids were initiated early on Monday morning at two flats in Guwahati and one in Barpeta. The primary target was the flat of Nupur Bora, a 2019-batch ACS officer who is currently posted as a Circle Officer in the Goroimari Revenue Circle of Kamrup district. During the extensive search, officials recovered a staggering sum of approximately ₹92 lakh in cash and gold and diamond jewellery valued at over ₹1 crore. The seized currency was so voluminous that officials from the State Bank of India (SBI) were called in to assist with the counting. A further ₹10 lakh in cash was recovered from a rented property in Barpeta linked to the officer.
Our correspondent reports that the raid was a culmination of a six-month surveillance operation. Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, confirmed that Nupur Bora had been on the vigilance cell’s radar following complaints of her alleged involvement in controversial land-related issues during her previous posting in the Barpeta Revenue Circle. Our correspondent adds that she is accused of illegally transferring government land and other properties to “suspected infiltrators” and was allegedly operating with a close associate, a land clerk named Surajit Deka, whose home was also raided as part of the investigation.
Chief Minister Sarma has publicly stated that his government is determined to bring an end to corruption, particularly in revenue circles in areas with a significant minority population. He said that this case is part of a larger push to ensure transparency and accountability in the state’s administration. He added that the investigation is a work in progress and that more property and assets may be uncovered as the probe continues. The authorities are also scrutinising bank lockers held by Bora in Barpeta and Golaghat.
The raids and the subsequent arrest of the young officer, who has only six years of service, have sent a strong message across the state. This is the latest in a series of anti-corruption drives by the government, which has been under pressure to address allegations of irregularities in various departments. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the accused have been remanded to police custody for further investigation. The Chief Minister’s office has vowed to take strict action against any government official found to be involved in corruption, regardless of their position.
