GUWAHATI An Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer, arrested for “criminal misconduct”, allegedly used the services of a mimicry artist who telephonically impersonated political leaders, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and top bureaucrats.

The Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell arrested Dhemaji District Development Commissioner Debeswar Bora for misusing his official position and amassing undisclosed assets. Dhemaji is the northeasternmost district of Assam, bordering Arunachal Pradesh.

“We conducted operations at locations in Dhemaji and Guwahati as part of the investigation based on a complaint. We arrested him after searching his house in Dhemaji and interrogating him,” a vigilance cell official said.

Although the vigilance cell declined to provide details of the operation, reports emanating from Dhemaji said the 1999-batch ACS officer allegedly collected money by promising government jobs and contracts to various individuals.

His modus operandi reportedly included using a middleman adept at imitating a range of voices to handle job or contract seekers. The middleman allegedly impersonated the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, or any other officer on the phone to create the impression that the ACS officer could get things done.

The ploy reportedly backfired when the ACS officer dealt with a politician-businessman in the district.

“All aspects of his criminal misconduct against many people are being investigated,” said the vigilance cell official.