Guwahati, Jan 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched a renewed attack on the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), following the arrest of an Assam woman allegedly linked to the institution on charges of fraud, impersonation of a foreign diplomat and misuse of forged embassy number plates in Delhi.
Addressing the media, Sarma reiterated his allegations that USTM was “based on fraud” and cautioned students and parents in Assam against pursuing education at the institution. He claimed that multiple cases related to fake certificates and cheating were already pending against USTM and its chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque.
“For the past several days, I have been warning the people of Assam that USTM is known for fraud. The entire system is allegedly built on fraudulent practices,” the Chief Minister said. He also referred to an earlier controversy involving a disputed tomb structure on the campus, alleging that assurances to demolish it were never fulfilled.
Sarma further alleged that the university had been linked to cases involving fake Other Backward Classes certificates, fraudulent medical certificates and cheating. He claimed that after the recent arrest, the woman’s name was removed from USTM’s official website in an attempt to distance the institution from her.
The Chief Minister said the woman was arrested by Assam Police for fraud, impersonation of a foreign diplomat and using vehicles with forged embassy number plates, adding that the development supported his earlier warnings.
Issuing a strong advisory, Sarma appealed to students and parents, particularly from the Sanatani community, not to enrol at USTM. He warned that academic certificates obtained from the institution could face uncertainty if legal proceedings progressed.
Sarma also made serious allegations against USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, claiming that his earlier sources of income were allegedly linked to extremist organisations, without providing details.
The arrest has triggered political reactions and intensified scrutiny of USTM, while the university has yet to issue a detailed response to the latest allegations.
