Judge sets conditions while granting interim relief to the educationist amid ongoing investigation
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The Gauhati High Court has granted interim bail to Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), in a case that has stirred controversy across the region. Arrested last month on charges of alleged fraud linked to the ‘Dhakia Joli’ case, Hoque received a significant reprieve on Monday (24 March) as Justice Mitali Thakuria ruled in his favour, citing strong grounds for bail. The decision comes after weeks of legal battles and public scrutiny, with the court imposing strict conditions to ensure cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Hoque, a prominent figure in Meghalaya’s education sector, was taken into custody in February from his Guwahati residence following accusations of deceiving students with false promises. Authorities alleged that he assured students of inflated marks in medical and engineering entrance exams, as well as CBSE board exams, in exchange for money. The case gained traction after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly accused Hoque of manipulating exam centres to benefit students, a claim that sparked outrage and protests.
The allegations against Hoque centre on a supposed scheme where he promised academic success to students by shifting their exam centres to “special schools” in remote areas. According to Sarma, over 200 students from Goalpara, Nagaon, and Kamrup districts were redirected to the Pathkarandi exam centre in Sribhumi district. “He gave guarantees to students that their results would be manipulated,” Sarma said last month, addressing the media. “But when no help arrived, the students raised their voices, and this fraud came to light.”
Police acted swiftly, arresting Hoque and charging him with fraud. The arrest, carried out under the watch of the BJP-led coalition government in Assam, drew mixed reactions. Supporters of Hoque, including staff and students at USTM, called it a politically motivated move, while critics demanded accountability from the chancellor.
In Monday’s hearing, Justice Thakuria acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but noted that Hoque had presented a compelling case for interim bail. “The petitioner has shown strong grounds for relief,” the judge stated in her ruling. “However, in the interest of justice, the court will review the case diary before a final decision is made.”
Hoque’s bail comes with conditions. He must deposit a bond of Rs 50,000 and fully cooperate with the investigation. The court also barred him from influencing or threatening anyone connected to the case. “It is mandatory for him to appear before the investigating officer whenever required,” Justice Thakuria added.
The decision has brought relief to Hoque’s family and colleagues, who have maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. Speaking outside the court, his legal representative, Anil Sharma, expressed gratitude for the ruling. “This is a victory for truth,” Sharma said. “Mahbubul Hoque is a respected educator, not a criminal. We are confident the full facts will clear his name.”
At USTM, staff members echoed similar sentiments. “He has worked tirelessly to build this institution,” said a senior faculty member, who requested anonymity. “These allegations are baseless and meant to tarnish his reputation.”
The ‘Dhakia Joli’ case has exposed deeper concerns about the education system in the region, with some pointing fingers at systemic failures rather than individual wrongdoing. Parents of affected students have voiced frustration over the lack of oversight. “We trusted the system to guide our children,” said Farida Begum, a mother from Nagaon whose son was sent to the Pathkarandi centre. “Now we feel cheated, but who is really to blame?”
For now, Hoque’s interim bail marks a turning point in a saga that has gripped Meghalaya and Assam. As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on the Guwahati High Court, which will determine his fate in the coming weeks. The case diary, yet to be fully reviewed, may hold the key to unraveling the truth behind the allegations.
With Mahbubul Hoque out on bail, the debate over his actions — and the broader implications for education in the region — shows no sign of fading.
