In a significant development, the Gauhati High Court has granted bail to Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), in a case registered at the Dhekiajuli police station. This marked the fifth instance in which the court has granted bail to Hoque, who is likely to be released from jail soon.
The development comes after a joint team of Guwahati police and the Special Task Force (STF) arrested Hoque and five teachers from a school in Patharkandi on February 22, amidst allegations of taking bribes to facilitate unfair means during the CBSE Class 12 Physics examination. According to reports, 274 students, including 45 from the school and 214 from the ERD Group (A foundation run by Haque), appeared for the exam at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Assam’s Sribhumi district.
The authorities accused the teachers of allowing students from other districts to appear for the Class 12 CBSE board exams by promising unfair means to secure high marks. The arrests sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
In a related development, the court had already granted bail to Hoque in two cases filed in Patharkandi, while putting on hold cases registered in Kokrajhar, Barpeta, and Goalpara following its directives. With the latest court order, Hoque is likely to be released from jail soon, bringing hope to thousands of his supporters who had been demanding his release.
The arrest of Hoque and the subsequent investigations have sent shockwaves across the educational fraternity, with many calling for greater accountability in the educational sector. The incident has also sparked debate on the need for stronger measures to prevent corruption in educational institutions. As the case continues to unfold, the nation is watching with bated breath, eager to know the truth behind the allegations and the consequences that await those involved.
