Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made explosive allegations against Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer Nupur Bora, who was arrested on September 16, 2025, following raids conducted by the Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell. The officer is accused of illegally transferring land belonging to Hindu individuals and religious institutions in exchange for money during her tenure as Revenue Circle Officer in Barpeta district.
The arrest came after months of surveillance and multiple complaints regarding land-related irregularities. The raids led to the recovery of ₹92.5 lakh in cash, gold ornaments, and the discovery of assets allegedly disproportionate to her known sources of income. The case has triggered a political and administrative storm in Assam, with the Chief Minister vowing strict action against corruption in minority-dominated revenue circles.
CM Sarma’s Allegations: Land Transfer for Money
Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, CM Sarma stated:
“This officer had transferred Hindu land to suspicious individuals in exchange for money when she was posted in the Barpeta revenue circle. That is why she was under continuous surveillance. We have taken strict action against her.”
He further added that corruption in revenue circles, particularly in minority-dominated areas, was rampant and needed urgent intervention. The government has been monitoring such transactions closely, especially those involving inter-religious land transfers.
Timeline of Events Leading to Arrest
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Jan 2019 | Nupur Bora joins ACS as Assistant Commissioner in Karbi Anglong |
| June 2023 | Transferred to Barpeta as Revenue Circle Officer |
| March–Aug 2025 | Complaints filed; surveillance initiated |
| Sept 15, 2025 | Raids conducted at four locations |
| Sept 16, 2025 | Bora arrested; assets seized |
The vigilance cell also raided the residence of her alleged aide, Lat Mandal Surajit Deka, who is accused of acquiring multiple land properties in collusion with Bora.
Assets Seized During Raids
| Asset Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Cash | ₹92.5 lakh |
| Gold Ornaments | ₹1 crore+ |
| Diamonds and Jewellery | ₹50 lakh+ |
| Lockers Found | 2 |
| Properties Under Review | 4 locations |
Officials stated that Bora’s assets were nearly 400 times greater than her declared income, raising serious questions about the source of her wealth.
Allegations of Land Transfer to “Suspicious Individuals”
According to CM Sarma, the land transferred by Bora included plots belonging to Hindu families and Satras—Vaishnavite monasteries considered sacred in Assam. These transfers allegedly benefited individuals from a “particular community,” sparking concerns over demographic shifts and illegal encroachments.
| Land Type Transferred | Alleged Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| Private Hindu-owned land | Individuals under scrutiny |
| Satra land | Suspected encroachers |
| Agricultural plots | Converted for resale |
The government has recently approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) requiring clearance from Assam Police’s Special Branch for all inter-religious land transactions, citing national security and demographic concerns.
Political and Administrative Fallout
| Stakeholder | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Assam Government | Vows crackdown on revenue corruption |
| Opposition Parties | Demand impartial probe |
| Civil Society | Raise concerns over communal framing |
| Revenue Department | Orders internal audit of land records |
The case has reignited debates over land ownership, religious identity, and administrative accountability in Assam’s sensitive districts.
Profile of the Accused Officer
| Name | Nupur Bora | | Age | 36 | | Batch | 2019 ACS | | Hometown | Golaghat | | Previous Postings | Karbi Anglong, Barpeta, Kamrup | | Current Posting (Before Arrest) | Circle Officer, Goroimari |
Bora’s social media presence, which includes posts about fashion, travel, and lifestyle, has also come under scrutiny as investigators assess her financial footprint.
Government’s Broader Strategy on Land Transfers
| Policy Measure | Status |
|---|---|
| SOP for Inter-Religious Land Sales | Approved August 2025 |
| District Collector Consent | Under consideration |
| Special Branch Clearance | Mandatory for flagged transactions |
| Revenue Circle Audits | Initiated in Barpeta, Goalpara, Dhubri |
The CM has indicated that more arrests could follow as the probe expands to other districts and officials.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
| Legal Action | Status |
|---|---|
| FIR Filed | Yes |
| Custody Status | Remanded for interrogation |
| Asset Verification | Ongoing |
| Charges Expected | Corruption, criminal conspiracy, illegal land transfer |
The Vigilance Cell is expected to file a detailed chargesheet within the next few weeks, and the case may be transferred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau for further investigation.
Conclusion: A Flashpoint in Assam’s Governance and Land Policy
The arrest of ACS officer Nupur Bora and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s explosive allegations have brought land governance and communal sensitivities to the forefront in Assam. As the investigation unfolds, the case could become a litmus test for the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and communal harmony.
With land being a deeply emotive and politically charged issue in Assam, the government’s actions—and the public’s response—will shape the discourse on administrative ethics and demographic balance in the region.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, official statements, and verified government sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice. All details are subject to change based on ongoing investigations.
