Dhemaji (Assam), 25 July (HS): Kalpana Chetia Barman, the main accused in a multi-crore Self Help Group (SHG) fund embezzlement case, was finally arrested by police from Jakhalabandha in Assam’s Nagon district. The arrest was confirmed on Friday by the Officer-in-Charge of Dhemaji Sadar Police Station. Following the arrest, she was brought to Dhemaji late Thursday night and underwent medical examination at Dhemaji Civil Hospital.
For the past 15 days, widespread protests had been mounting over the delay in arresting the prime accused. Members of various SHGs, led by the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), held a massive demonstration in Dhemaji. Protesters marched from the Dhemaji Court Field via National Highway-15 and gheraoed the Dhemaji Sadar Police Station.
The demonstration lasted for about half an hour and saw participation from key KMSS leaders including central president Rajuraj Barpatragohain, executive president Devjeet Barua, district president Yadumani Gogoi, secretary Durga Bora, and leaders from the Chhatra Mukti Sangram Samiti such as chief advisor Yugal Gogoi and district secretary Bhautam Bhuiyan, among others. A memorandum demanding strict legal action was submitted to the Executive Magistrate of Dhemaji.
The memorandum urged swift and stringent legal measures not just against Barman, but the entire corruption racket involved in the scam.
Barman is accused of misappropriating around ₹3 crore in SHG funds in alleged collusion with bank and SRLM (State Rural Livelihoods Mission) officials. The case has sparked intense public outcry, with growing demands for a judicial probe.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
