Guwahati, 31 May (HS): In a major development in the alleged Assam Fisheries Development Corporation (AFDC) scam, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Padmakant Hazarika was arrested from Puri by investigating authorities. The arrest comes amid an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities involving recruitment and lease allotments within the corporation.

Investigators suspect that jobs in the department may have been secured through unfair practices, including alleged cash-for-employment arrangements. The inquiry is examining claims that recruitment procedures were manipulated, bypassing established norms and transparency requirements.

The investigation has also focused on alleged tender irregularities, with authorities probing accusations that lucrative beel (wetland) leases were awarded to relatives, associates and politically connected individuals without following proper public bidding processes.

Officials said the scope of the investigation is expanding rapidly. Financial transactions, bank accounts, and asset records are being scrutinized to trace the flow of funds and identify other individuals who may have benefited from the alleged scam.

Sources indicated that further arrests and legal action could follow as investigators continue to gather evidence and verify financial links connected to the case.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash