Controversy at Assam Recruitment Exam: Candidate Claims Inappropriate Search, Police Chief Promises Swift Action

Assam Police Chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh has ordered an investigation following accusations from a female examinee at the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE) center in Nalbari. The examinee alleged that women security personnel inappropriately touched her during the screening process.

In a video shared on Facebook, the candidate described the ordeal, claiming that security officials “put their hands inside the lower part of my body and even touched my private area.” She expressed feelings of embarrassment and shame, adding, “I would have never taken the examination if I knew this would happen.” The examinee also mentioned that other women had similar experiences, stating they were made to remove their clothes in open spaces.

The candidate, who has participated in national-level exams before, said she had never experienced such invasive checking procedures. She urged the chief minister to investigate the matter, especially as two more phases of the exam are scheduled.

In response to the allegations, Singh posted on X, acknowledging the overreach by women police personnel at the Nalbari exam center. He assured that since key officials overseeing the area are women, the factual details would soon be available for further action.

Singh also noted that some women examinees were caught with cheating materials concealed in their undergarments in Lakhimpur, with an FIR being registered. Meanwhile, in Silchar, female students wearing traditional attire were asked to leave their dupattas outside the exam halls, causing concern among parents.

Assam Jatiya Parishad leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi condemned the actions of the security personnel, accusing them of inappropriate searches that compromised the mental peace of the candidates. Gogoi highlighted that both male and female students were subjected to invasive checks.

With the next phases of ADRE scheduled for September 22 and 29, the controversy comes after mobile internet services were suspended for over five hours on Sunday to prevent cheating during the first phase. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma later posted on X, thanking government staff for conducting the exam peacefully and assuring continued transparency in the recruitment process.