The Assam Director General of Police (DGP), G P Singh, has initiated an urgent investigation following claims of invasive and improper body checks on women candidates during the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE) at an exam center in Nalbari district.
Incident Sparks Public Outcry After ADRE Candidate’s Social Media Post
The controversy erupted when Nabanita Sarma, one of the examinees, took to Facebook to describe the body searches conducted at Swahid Smriti Senior Secondary School, Belsor, as “disgraceful and pathetic.” Sarma alleged that women personnel touched female candidates inappropriately, conducting checks inside undergarments without any privacy cover. She emphasized that such intrusive measures were not taken at other centers across the state.
In response to the widespread outrage triggered by Sarma’s post, Assam DGP G P Singh ordered an immediate inquiry. “Range DIG has been directed to look into the matter thoroughly,” Singh stated, assuring that with the District Commissioner, District Superintendent of Police, and Range DIG being women, the investigation would yield quick and accurate findings for further action.
Exam Candidates Report Feeling Humiliated and Harassed
The allegations have deeply unsettled many candidates who took the ADRE exam. Nabanita Sarma’s account revealed that several women present at the Nalbari exam center felt mentally harassed by the inappropriate conduct. Sarma, having appeared in many competitive exams before, stated, “This was the first time I faced such an inappropriate approach. Many others at the center felt the same.”
Nabanita Sarma also called on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene and ensure such violations do not happen in future recruitment exams. Her plea has resonated with many candidates across the state, who have expressed discomfort over the conduct at the Nalbari center.
In a related development, DGP Singh disclosed that in North Lakhimpur, during the same recruitment exam, cheating materials were discovered hidden inside a female candidate’s undergarments. An FIR has been registered in connection with the incident.
Recruitment Examination Draws Record Turnout Despite Incidents
The ADRE, which is conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA), saw a massive turnout of 11,23,204 candidates across 2,305 centers statewide. Despite the troubling incidents at a few centers, the exam continued as planned, with over 70,000 invigilators ensuring the smooth conduct of the process.
With the DGP ordering a thorough investigation into the Nalbari incident, ADRE candidates and the public alike are eagerly awaiting the results of the inquiry. As Assam continues to uphold transparency in its recruitment procedures, this incident serves as a crucial moment for ensuring fairness and dignity for all exam participants.
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