Staff reporter
Guwahati: The Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, in a letter to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, has called for a CBI investigation into the alleged suicide of Joshita Das, a 30-year-old Assistant Engineer with the Public Works Department (PWD). The incident, which occurred on July 21 in the Bongaigaon district, has raised serious concerns over workplace harassment and possible corruption within the department.
Das, who was posted in the Building Division of the Assam PWD, was found dead in her rented apartment in Barpara, Bongaigaon. A handwritten suicide note was recovered from the scene reportedly accuses two senior PWD officials of sustained mental harassment. According to the letter, Das had earlier confided in her family about the harassment, particularly being pressured to compromise on construction quality for the “Mini Stadium at Borsojgaon” project, implemented in collaboration with M/s Achetic Creations.
The note allegedly outlines threats of disciplinary transfers and lack of administrative support, contributing to her mental distress. Following a complaint from her mother, the two accused officials have already been arrested under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Saikia further urged the Governor to ensure an independent probe into broader financial irregularities in similar mini-stadium projects across 40 locations in Assam under the NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA) scheme. He emphasized that the offences mentioned could fall under several serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
While a departmental inquiry has been initiated by the state government, Saikia has expressed concerns over its independence and effectiveness, fearing potential tampering of evidence and influence by individuals implicated in the case.
He concluded by urging that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a similar central agency be entrusted with the probe to ensure a fair, transparent, and conclusive investigation.
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