Ninth Arrest in Assam Fisheries Scam: Ex‑AFDCL Director Held in Odisha
Puri: The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has arrested Padma Kanta Hazarika, former Project Director of Assam Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd (AFDCL), in connection with the multi‑crore Assam fisheries scam.
Hazarika was apprehended in Puri and will be taken to Guwahati on a four‑day transit remand for interrogation.
His arrest marks the ninth in the ongoing probe under ACB PS Case No. 30/2023, which involves large‑scale misappropriation of AFDCL funds.
Earlier, eight officials, including Assam Civil Service officers Anuradha Adhikary Sarma and Naren Chandra Basumatary, were arrested. Other accused include former engineers and assistant engineers of AFDCL.
DVAC operations across Guwahati, Belsor, Gauripur, and Raha have uncovered widespread irregularities, fund diversion, and misuse of financial records.
Investigators are examining digital evidence and financial documents to trace the flow of misappropriated funds.
Authorities have indicated that more arrests are likely as the investigation expands, signalling a deeper probe into systemic corruption within the fisheries department.
