Video Of Assam Police Being Frisked By Private Security Sparks Debate, CM Responds

New Delhi: A video showing private security guards frisking Assam police officers has surfaced online, sparking discussions on social media. Shared by the X handle 'Voice of Assam,' the footage shows security personnel employed by Mahbubul Hoque, chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), frisking Assam police officers as they stood in line to be checked before entering the premises.

As the video gained attention, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the frisking was legally permissible. 

Also Read: USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Haque Arrested Over Alleged Criminal Conspiracy

Sharing the video, he referenced Section 100(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, which allows a house owner to request that police officers be searched before conducting a raid.  

"As per Section 100(3) of the 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," Sarma stated.  

The security personnel were employed by Mahbubul Hoque, the chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), who was arrested over allegations of forgery and exam malpractices.  

Who is Hoque and why is he being arrested? 

Mahbubul Hoque was arrested on February 21 by the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police at his residence in Guwahati. 

He was accused of forging a caste certificate and involvement in exam malpractices linked to the CBSE Class 12 board exams.  

Authorities alleged that Hoque had taken money from students, promising them assistance in the 30-mark MCQ section of the exam. However, when the promised assistance was not provided, chaos broke out at the examination center, prompting an investigation.  

Following complaints, a case was registered against him in Sribhumi, Assam, leading to his arrest. 

Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu confirmed the allegations on X, stating that a probe had been launched.