Guwahati, March 11: As the Gauhati High Court prepares to deliver its verdict on the bail plea of University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque on Wednesday, Assam Police has filed two fresh FIRs against him, potentially delaying his release.

The new cases have been registered at Barpeta and Kokrajhar police stations, though specific details remain undisclosed.

On Tuesday, the High Court heard arguments on Hoque’s bail plea in connection with the second case (Case No. 55/2025) filed at Patharkandi police station in Sribhumi district but reserved its decision for Wednesday. The court also quashed Case No. 31/2025, which was registered by Gossaingaon police station. This decision came after senior advocate Angshuman Bora and advocate Debanga Baidya filed a criminal petition seeking the amalgamation of this case with Case No. 54/2025 at Patharkandi police station.

Additionally, the court has ordered the police not to take any coercive action against Hoque until March 28.

The Gossaingaon police registered the case following a complaint filed by Lilawati Basumatary alleging that her daughter was misled about her examination centre and promised unfair assistance to secure higher marks.

Hoque was first arrested on February 22 following serious allegations from 274 students who appeared for the Class 12 CBSE Physics exam at Central Public School, Patharkandi. The school, managed by the ERD Foundation (ERDF), whose chairman is also Hoque.

On March 3, the High Court granted him bail in the first case filed by Patharkandi police. In the second case, the court had earlier summoned the police to produce the case diary on March 5.

The controversy revolves around the Vision 50 Programme, under which 214 students—mostly from outside the region—were allegedly enrolled at Central Public School without attending classes. These students had been receiving coaching at USTM’s Guwahati campus instead. Allegations emerged that students were assured of assistance during exams, but when they were left without help on the test day, chaos ensued.

Further reports claim that while 45 local students received assistance in cheating, the 214 others did not, leading to frustration and protests. Additionally, ERDF officials allegedly collected ₹5 lakh from each of the 45 students in exchange for ensuring they passed.
With fresh FIRs now in place and the High Court yet to rule on his bail plea, Hoque’s legal troubles continue to mount.

Also Read: Start-up fund for Meghalaya’s SHGs to be hiked to Rs 25,000

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