In the decade-old Assam Tourism Department recruitment scam, the Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell on Tuesday night arrested two individuals accused of securing government jobs through illegal means. Ananya Borthakur, posted in Delhi, and Pranjal Bora, serving in Nagaon, were taken into custody following an intensified investigation by the state’s top vigilance team.
The alleged irregularities trace back to 2010–2012, during the tenure of former Tourism Minister and senior Congress leader Rokibul Hussain. Officials say that during this period, several appointments were reportedly made bypassing eligibility norms and mandatory qualifications. Many of those selected for key posts in the department did not meet the required educational standards, raising serious questions about the integrity of the recruitment process.
The arrests of Borthakur and Bora come after a preliminary investigation by the CM Vigilance Cell exposed widespread discrepancies in recruitment records. The case, registered under Sections 13 and 25, now includes eight individuals accused of manipulating the system for personal gain. Apart from the two recently arrested, the candidates under scrutiny include Hiran Kumar Saikia, Saymeen Mannan, Mehjubin Begum, Gautam Gogoi, Madhab Das, and Nayanmoni Pamegam. 
The investigation has sent ripples through Assam’s administration as authorities aim to uncover the full extent of the irregularities. Officials stated that the probe is ongoing and further arrests could follow as more evidence comes to light. The Chief Minister’s office emphasized that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity in government recruitment processes.
The case now officially falls under the Tourism Corporation Recruitment Scam Case. According to Superintendent of Police Rosie Kalita of the Chief Minister’s Vigilance Cell, today the Vigilance Cell arrested Tourism Officer Nayanmoni Pamegam, while Pranjal Bora and Ananya Borthakur were taken into custody last night. The health check-ups of all three officials have been completed. Notably, in 2012–13, a case was registered in the Vigilance Cell in connection with the Tourism Corporation scam against eight officials, including the former director of the Tourism Corporation, Monalisa Goswami. Authorities are reviewing records, calling witnesses, and have reiterated that any fraudulent appointments may be annulled, with legal proceedings continuing against those involved.
