A tragic incident in Assam has brought to light allegations of corruption and harassment within the Public Works Department (PWD). Jyotisha Das, a 30-year-old assistant engineer, was found dead in her rented accommodation on Tuesday afternoon in a suspected case of suicide. Her death has sparked outrage and prompted a high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding her final days.
In a handwritten suicide note, Das alleged that she was under extreme mental stress due to constant pressure from two senior officials to clear fraudulent bills for incomplete work. She named Dinesh Medhi Sharma, a recently promoted Superintendent Engineer who previously served as Executive Engineer in Bongaigaon, and Aminul Islam, a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) currently posted in Bongaigaon, as the individuals responsible for her unbearable stress. The note detailed months of mental harassment and a lack of institutional support, revealing a desperate plea for guidance and relief from the immense pressure. "I am taking this step due to extreme stress from my work, there is no one to guide me in the office. I am tired and have nowhere to go. My parents are worried for me," the note read.
The family of the deceased engineer filed a formal police complaint, leading to the arrest of Sharma and Islam on charges of abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Police sources confirmed that the suicide note is a key piece of evidence and has been sent for forensic analysis. Authorities are investigating all aspects of the case, including the building project for which the alleged fraudulent bills were being pushed. A team of engineers and senior officials have visited the construction site to reassess the work and costing.
According to her note, Das was under immense pressure to clear a contractor's bill related to the construction of a stadium at Borsojgaon under Gossaigaon Assembly constituency, a project executed with M/s Achetic Creations. She alleged that despite the project lacking basic architectural drawings and proper documentation, the accused repeatedly pushed her to approve the payment. She also claimed that the contractor, Rudra Pathak, had not appointed a site engineer, leaving her solely responsible for on-site execution. Additionally, she accused architect Debajit Sarma of submitting an incomplete estimate riddled with discrepancies. Her repeated pleas for assistance, she said, were ignored. Though Medhi and Islam were recently transferred, Medhi to Nalbari NH Division and Islam to the Chief Engineer's Office, Das alleged they continued pressuring her from their new postings.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken cognizance of the matter and has called for a detailed and thorough investigation. The Chief Minister stated that the police have arrested the two officers and are taking the case seriously. The investigation aims to uncover the truth behind the allegations of corruption and harassment, and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
This tragic incident has raised serious questions about the work environment within the PWD and the potential pressures faced by junior engineers. The allegations of forced approval of fraudulent bills and the subsequent mental harassment have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in government departments. It also underscores the importance of providing adequate support and guidance to employees, particularly those in high-pressure positions.
