Controversial Video of Police Being Frisked by Private Guards Sparks Debate
A controversial video shows police frisked by private security guards at the home of Mahbubul Hoque, a university chancellor arrested for exam malpractice. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted that the searches are lawful under the CrPC. Hoque is implicated in fraudulent activities and has faced scrutiny over environmental issues related to his university’s operations.
In Guwahati, a video surfaced showing police officers being frisked by private security guards at the residence of Mahbubul Hoque, the Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya. The footage has sparked significant online debate, with comments suggesting such occurrences are more fitting in lawless environments than in India. In response, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that this practice is permissible under Indian law, specifically referencing Section 100(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) from 1973.
This legal provision allows homeowners to require police to undergo a personal search before they conduct a search of the premises. The incident relates to the arrest of Mr. Hoque last month for alleged forgery and involvement in examination malpractices. Reports indicated he was implicated in schemes to solicit payments from students to facilitate unfair examination advantages, culminating in disorder at local exams.
Mr. Hoque is accused of various fraudulent activities including issuing fake educational credentials and financial misconducts at his university. He was apprehended on February 21, during a raid by the Assam Police. Chief Minister Sarma described Mr. Hoque’s university as being involved in serious ethical violations, asserting that they were illegally distributing degrees without proper examinations.
Additionally, the university has faced accusations regarding environmental neglect, particularly for not engaging architects for new constructions, which allegedly contributed to societal flooding issues. Mr. Sarma labeled Mr. Hoque’s actions as “flood jihad,” suggesting that deforestation linked to the institution caused exacerbated flooding during monsoon seasons. In response, the university has denied these allegations and maintained its integrity.
The incident involving private security guards frisking police officers raises significant questions about law enforcement protocols and legality in India. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s clarification regarding the legal framework under which such searches occur emphasizes the importance of understanding the Code of Criminal Procedure. Meanwhile, ongoing allegations against Mahbubul Hoque highlight broader concerns regarding academic fraud and environmental responsibility within educational institutions.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
