Guwahati, 17 June (HS): Three officials accused in the alleged financial scam involving the Assam Fisheries Development Corporation (AFDC) have been granted bail by a Special Judicial Magistrate’s Court, while the investigation continues to uncover suspected large-scale financial irregularities within the state-run corporation.

The accused — Birinchi Adhikari, Padmakanta Hazarika and Jyotish Saikia — secured bail in connection with the case pertaining to alleged misappropriation of corporation funds. Sources indicated that shortcomings in the police investigation played a role in the court’s decision.

According to reports, the investigating officer allegedly failed to place before the court details of Dispur Police Station Case No. 298/2022, which is said to be linked to the same matter. Padmakanta Hazarika was also granted relief on medical grounds and had previously obtained bail from the Gauhati High Court in another case related to the alleged scam.

Meanwhile, investigators have reportedly traced transactions involving nearly ₹7.14 crore of AFDC funds that were allegedly transferred to private bank accounts in violation of established government financial procedures.

The ongoing probe has raised suspicions of extensive financial misconduct between 2017 and 2021, during which substantial amounts were allegedly diverted to the personal accounts of employees, contractors and other individuals.

The alleged irregularities are reported to have occurred during the tenure of former AFDC chairman and Morigaon BJP MLA Ramakanta Deuri. Investigators are also examining allegations of collusion among former officials, staff members and contractors in facilitating the diversion of corporation funds.

The case was first registered at Dispur Police Station in 2022, and further investigation into the alleged financial irregularities remains in progress.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash