DC orders magisterial inquiry to ascertain the caste certificate of Congress candidate Swarup Das

March 24:In a dramatic development, controversy mounted regarding the candidature of Congress candidate Swarup Das for the Karimganj constituency (SC reserved).

The head of Congress Schedule Caste department Ramananda Das wrote to party President Rahul Gandhi and other leaders, stating that Karimganj Congress MP candidate Swarup Das does not belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) category and has rather acquired a SC certificate in 2007. He added that the SC Certificate of Swarup Das was issued without any proper verification and is a false piece of paper.

Meanwhile, as the controversy has gained momentum, a magisterial inquiry has been instituted to ascertain the caste certificate of Swarup Das, Congress candidate for the HP1 Karimganj SC (reserved) constituency. Keerthi Jalli, Deputy Commissioner, Hailakandi has constituted a two-member inquiry committee to ascertain the scheduled caste certificate of Das following complaint from the president, Anusuchit Jati Mahasabha, Central Committee, Assam.

The two-member inquiry committee comprises of SDO (Sadar) Prodip Timung and Assistant Commissioner, RL Changsan. They were asked to submit the report to the DC on urgent basis. The inquiry committee is learnt to have started investigation regarding the caste of Swarup Das who is a resident of Mohadevpur under Katlicherra PS of Hailakandi district. It was further learnt that a case has also been registered against Swarup Das at Katlicherra Police Station.