CBI Investigates Alleged Suicide of Assam Engineer Amid Corruption Pressure

Investigation Launched into Engineer's Death

New Delhi, Oct 14: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into the suspected suicide of a Public Works Department (PWD) assistant engineer in Assam, who reportedly faced significant pressure from her superiors to engage in corrupt practices, as stated by officials on Tuesday.

Following standard procedures, the CBI has taken over the FIR from the Bongaigaon police station, acting on a request from the Assam government.

Joshita Das, who worked in the Bongaigaon sub-division of the PWD, was discovered deceased in her residence on July 22 by friends.

Her family claims that she endured immense pressure from senior colleagues and contractors, including architect Debajit Sharma, SDO Aminul Islam, and executive engineer Dinesh Medhi Sharma, concerning the construction of a mini-stadium in Bongaigaon, as detailed in the FIR.

The CBI's FIR names all three individuals as suspects.

According to the FIR, Das was subjected to coercion, intimidation, and threats to create and approve estimates and bills inappropriately, which severely affected her mental health, ultimately leading her to take her own life.

In the days leading up to her death, Das had communicated her distress to her family regarding the pressure she was under.

She reportedly raised concerns about her colleagues' unethical demands with her superiors but was met with reprimands and further harassment, as per the FIR.

In response to the situation, the Assam government established a seven-member Special Investigating Team (SIT) to look into the suspected suicide.

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation due to public interest and potential inter-state implications.

The Opposition Congress party has reached out to Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya, requesting an investigation by the CBI or another independent central agency.

Previously, on July 13, the Assam Cabinet decided to transfer the investigation to the CBI following protests from the Opposition and various organizations.