PK Dutta, former DIG of Assam Police and one of the prime accused in the Sub Inspector recruitment scam, was arrested by West Bengal Police on Tuesday morning near the India-Nepal border, and he is likely to be brought to Guwahati later at night by a team of Assam Police, which was camping along the Indo-Nepal border. Dutta, who was absconding for the last two weeks, was arrested on Tuesday morning somewhere near the Kakarbhitta check-post of the Indo-Nepal border while he was supposedly en route to India.
A senior police official said West Bengal Police arrested Dutta around 10 am on the strength of the lookout notice issued by Assam Police. Dutta was reportedly accompanied by his son and son-in-law, but police have so far refrained from disclosing anything about their detention. However, in all likelihood, police might register a case against many others, including the duo, for harbouring Dutta. On reports that Dutta had volunteered to surrender after he was running out of places to hide, the top brass of Assam Police refuted the claims, terming them concocted theories. Police were also tight-lipped when asked if any external agency was involved in the nabbing of Dutta.
Earlier, Assam Police had announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh to anyone providing information on Dutta’s whereabouts.
Immediately after Assam Police confirmed the news of Dutta’s arrest, sources said West Bengal Police will first produce Dutta at a court in Siliguri and as per the laid down procedure, Assam Police will be granted his transit remand.
Dutta’s involvement in the scam came to light after the CID questioned Hirakjyoti Barua, a candidate in the SI examination.