In a high-profile case that has sent shockwaves across Assam, a young civil servant has been arrested on charges of corruption and illegal land transfer. The accused, Nupur Bora, a 2019-batch Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer, was allegedly involved in facilitating the transfer of land belonging to Hindus and government institutions to suspected illegal settlers. The case highlights the growing concern over corruption in Assam’s revenue administration, especially in minority-dominated areas.

The Raid and Arrest

On Monday, the Chief Minister’s Vigilance Cell launched a massive operation at multiple locations linked to Bora. Police teams raided her residence in Guwahati’s Gotanagar area, as well as her rented house in Barpeta and properties connected to her alleged accomplice, Surajit Deka, a Lat Mandal in the Barpeta revenue circle office.

During the raid, officials seized:

• ₹92 lakh in cash from her Guwahati home

• ₹10 lakh in cash from her rented house in Barpeta

• Gold ornaments, diamonds, and other jewelry worth over ₹1 crore

The total value of assets recovered is estimated to be around ₹2 crore, far exceeding her known sources of income. Bora was taken into custody immediately following the raids.

Six Months of Surveillance

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that Bora had been under surveillance for over six months after multiple complaints surfaced about her alleged involvement in illegal land registrations. According to the CM, during her tenure as Circle Officer in Barpeta, Bora facilitated the transfer of government land and even land belonging to revered Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) into the names of suspected illegal settlers, often referred to as “Miya.”

Sarma said:

“This officer had transferred Hindu land to suspicious individuals in exchange for money when she was posted in Barpeta. The government had been monitoring her activities closely. Corruption in revenue circles, particularly in minority-dominated areas, has become rampant.”

The CM added that the crackdown is part of the government’s broader effort to protect Assam’s demographic balance from threats posed by illegal migration and land encroachment.

Political and Social Context

The issue of illegal immigration has long been a politically charged subject in Assam. The term “Miya Muslims” is often used to describe Bengali-speaking Muslims, many of whom are viewed by the BJP-led government as “illegal migrants” from Bangladesh. These groups are frequently accused of encroaching on government and indigenous lands, sparking tensions across the state.

Just days before Bora’s arrest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam and reiterated concerns over demographic changes in the state, citing illegal migration as a national security threat.

Adding further weight to the allegations, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), led by Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, had filed a complaint against Bora. The activist group claimed that she operated with a structured “rate card” for land-related services:

• ₹1,500 for issuing land maps

• Up to ₹2 lakh for adding or deleting names from land records

The complaint suggested systematic corruption that extended beyond individual transactions.

Lifestyle and Public Image

Interestingly, despite her short tenure in the civil service—just six years—Bora appeared to enjoy a lavish lifestyle. Her Instagram profile, now under scrutiny, showcased her interests in fashion, décor, and travel. Investigators believe her lifestyle far outstripped the earnings of a government officer, further strengthening the case of disproportionate assets.

Accomplices and Expanding Probe

Authorities also raided the residence of her alleged associate, Surajit Deka, in Barpeta. He is accused of acquiring multiple land properties in collusion with Bora during her tenure there. Officials believe that Bora and Deka formed a network that enabled illegal land transfers in exchange for hefty bribes.

Superintendent of Police Rosy Kalita, who led the operation, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and hinted at more revelations:

“This is only the beginning. The assets seized so far are part of a preliminary operation. There are several corruption allegations against the officer, and further searches may uncover more evidence.”

Kalita also mentioned that Bora’s case marks the 25th case registered with the Vigilance Cell, reflecting the government’s intensified efforts to root out corruption in revenue and administrative departments.

New Government Measures on Land Transactions

The Assam government has recently introduced stricter safeguards against fraudulent land transactions. On August 27, the state cabinet approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) requiring clearance from the Assam Police’s Special Branch for all inter-religious land transactions. The move is aimed at curbing land transfers that could alter the state’s demographic composition, which authorities argue poses long-term risks to indigenous identity and security.

The arrest of ACS officer Nupur Bora has not only exposed the deep-rooted issue of corruption within Assam’s revenue system but has also reignited debates around illegal immigration, land rights, and the safeguarding of indigenous communities. With assets worth over ₹2 crore seized and ongoing investigations into her alleged accomplices, the case underscores the government’s resolve to act tough against corruption and illegal land transfers.

As the probe unfolds, the scandal surrounding a young civil servant’s rapid fall from grace will likely continue to dominate Assam’s political and social discourse in the coming weeks.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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