Guwahati, March 4, 2025 – The controversy surrounding Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), continues to deepen as he secures bail from the Gauhati High Court. His arrest on February 22 on charges of facilitating exam malpractice had already sparked widespread debate, and the case remains embroiled in political and legal tensions. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been vocal against Hoque and USTM, had earlier accused the university of selling PhD degrees for money, further intensifying the ongoing animosity.

The ‘Flood Jihad’ Controversy

The friction between Hoque and CM Sarma first gained prominence in late 2024 when the Chief Minister accused USTM of contributing to Guwahati’s severe waterlogging problems. He claimed that deforestation and hill flattening during the university’s construction had led to increased water flow from Meghalaya into Assam, worsening the floods. Sarma labeled the issue as “flood jihad” and even questioned USTM’s three-domed entrance, implying religious connotations.

Hoque refuted these allegations, stating that USTM, located six kilometers from Guwahati, has significant green coverage and cannot be solely blamed for the city’s flooding. He expressed a willingness to cooperate with the authorities to address any legitimate concerns.

Arrest and Allegations of Exam Malpractice

On February 22, 2025, Assam Police arrested Hoque in connection with an alleged CBSE Class 12 Physics exam scam, accusing him of facilitating unfair means for students in exchange for money. CM Sarma claimed that a racket had been operating under Hoque’s watch, misleading students with promises of inflated scores.

However, the accusations did not stop there. Sarma had earlier accused USTM of granting PhD degrees in exchange for money, a claim that fueled skepticism about the institution’s credibility. Though no formal charges have been filed regarding this allegation, it has added to the ongoing controversy surrounding the university. Meghalaya Chief Secretary DP Wahlang defended USTM’s credibility, highlighting that it is a NAAC-A-grade institution operating under UGC and Meghalaya state regulations. He further stated that USTM has contributed significantly to higher education in the region and that any concerns should be addressed through proper legal channels rather than political narratives.

Public and Political Reactions

Hoque’s arrest has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. A group of Muslim intellectuals wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, voicing their concerns over what they described as a politically motivated attempt to malign an established educational institution. They highlighted Hoque’s reputation as an educationist and argued that his detention was an effort to silence progressive voices.

Congress leader MaskoorUsmani also denounced the arrest, calling it a targeted attack on USTM, a NAAC-A Grade institution recognized by UGC and the Meghalaya state government. He accused the Assam government of attempting to undermine the university’s growing influence.

Bail and the Ongoing Animosity

On March 3, 2025, the Gauhati High Court granted bail to MahbubulHoque. However, the conflict between him and CM Sarma shows no signs of de-escalation. With multiple accusations in play and investigations still ongoing, the case remains a flashpoint in Assam’s political landscape.

The sustained hostility from the Chief Minister, combined with the legal scrutiny surrounding USTM, suggests that this controversy is far from over. As political and legal battles continue, the deeper implications of this case on governance, communal relations, and higher education in Assam remain to be seen.