News Reporter
Justice (Retd) BK Sharma Commission Reveals ‘Cash-for-Jobs’ Scam
Rakesh Paul Named as Mastermind in Recruitment Scam
The commission's report, presented in the Assam Assembly, has identified former APSC chairman Rakesh Paul as the key conspirator behind the infamous ‘cash-for-jobs’ scam. The investigation raises questions about Paul’s appointment process during Tarun Gogoi's tenure, implicating a deeper nexus of corruption within the administration. So far, over 70 individuals have been arrested in connection with the scam.
BJP Labels Tarun Gogoi as the 'Kingpin of Corruption'
Addressing the media, BJP state president Dilip Saikia described the late Tarun Gogoi as the "kingpin of corruption", holding his government responsible for depriving meritorious students of opportunities. Saikia insisted that the Congress must issue a white paper clarifying its stance on the scandal.
"The findings of the Justice (Retd) BK Sharma Commission confirm that corruption was deeply rooted during the Congress rule. The Congress and corruption are two sides of the same coin," said Saikia.
BJP has urged the state government to take strict legal action against those named in the report, ensuring accountability.
Akhil Gogoi Denies Bribery Allegations
Meanwhile, Raijor Dal leader and MLA Akhil Gogoi has been named in a testimony within the report, along with his former colleague Kamal Kumar Medhi—who is now with BJP. An accused in the scam has alleged that Medhi accepted Rs 3 lakh on behalf of Akhil Gogoi.
In response, Akhil Gogoi posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"As per the APSC scam investigation report, BJP leader Kamal Kumar Medhi is accused of taking Rs 3 lakh in my name. He should publicly clarify this matter."
Raijor Dal Rejects Allegations, Highlights Past Protests Against APSC Corruption
Raijor Dal, the political wing of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), rejected the accusations, pointing out that they had spearheaded mass protests against APSC corruption since 2015. The party argued that if Akhil Gogoi were involved in bribery, he wouldn’t have led such an aggressive movement against Rakesh Paul and the scam.
As the political storm intensifies, all eyes are on the Assam government’s next move in ensuring justice for those affected by the APSC scam.