Updated on: Oct 14, 2025 | 8:35 PM IST
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case to investigate the alleged abetment of suicide of an assistant engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Bongaigaon, Assam. The case names an architect and two senior PWD officers, following allegations that the deceased officer was subjected to undue work pressure and harassment related to a mini-stadium project.
Background of the Incident
The assistant engineer, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, was posted at the Bongaigaon sub-division of the PWD. She was found dead in her residence on July 22, 2025. Prior to her death, she reportedly faced “tremendous undue and illegitimate work pressure” from her colleagues, seniors, and contractors overseeing the mini-stadium project.
According to the allegations, the deceased was coerced and criminally intimidated to prepare and approve project estimates and bills in an irregular manner, placing significant mental and emotional strain on her. Days before her death, she reportedly communicated to her family the pressures and harassment she was enduring from her superiors.
CBI Investigation
The Assam government had forwarded the matter to the CBI in August 2025, citing concerns about potential inter-state implications and the need for an independent, thorough investigation.
The FIR filed by the CBI on Monday names the following individuals as accused:
- Debajit Sharma – Architect, private firm Aesthetic Creations
- Aminul Islam – Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), PWD, Bongaigaon
- Dinesh Medhi Sharma – Executive Engineer, PWD
A CBI spokesperson said, “It is alleged that the deceased was subjected to tremendous undue and illegitimate work pressure from her seniors, colleagues, and contractors, including the accused architect, SDO, and executive engineer. She was allegedly coerced, criminally intimidated, and threatened to prepare and pass estimates and bills in an irregular manner, which took a severe toll on her mental well-being.”
The FIR further notes that although the assistant engineer had raised concerns about the irregular demands of her colleagues and superiors, she was rebuked and instructed to comply with their directives, intensifying her mental distress.
Previous Investigations
Following her death, the Assam government had constituted a seven-member Special Investigating Team (SIT) to probe the circumstances surrounding the suicide. However, the public concern over the case and its possible links beyond the state prompted the transfer of the investigation to the CBI for a more comprehensive and impartial inquiry.
Three individuals named in the FIR have since been arrested in connection with the case. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the gravity of the incident, stating that the matter warrants thorough investigation due to public sentiment and potential inter-state connections.
Broader Implications
The case highlights growing concerns about workplace harassment and mental health pressures faced by government employees in India. It also underscores the need for stricter oversight mechanisms in public sector projects to prevent coercion, undue influence, or criminal intimidation in project execution.
The CBI’s involvement signals a commitment to ensure accountability and justice, and to prevent recurrence of such tragedies in governmental institutions. The investigation will likely include forensic examinations, scrutiny of communications and documents related to the mini-stadium project, and testimonies from colleagues and family members.
Next Steps
The CBI is expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into:
- The extent and nature of undue pressure placed on the assistant engineer.
- The roles of the architect and senior PWD officials in allegedly abetting the suicide.
- Potential lapses in departmental oversight and compliance.
- Any inter-state or external links that may have contributed to the harassment or undue influence.
The arrests of the three accused mark the beginning of a judicial process that could set a precedent for accountability in cases of workplace harassment and abuse in public service.
Key Takeaways
- CBI registers case to probe abetment of suicide of PWD assistant engineer in Bongaigaon, Assam.
- Alleged undue pressure and criminal intimidation related to mini-stadium project.
- Three accused: private architect and two senior PWD officials.
- Assam government had previously formed a SIT; investigation now transferred to CBI.
- Case underscores workplace harassment and mental health concerns in public sector.
- Arrests have been made; further investigation ongoing.
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