Assam: Congress demands probe against BJP-linked contractor in PWD engineer suicide case

The Bongaigaon District Congress on Thursday (July 24) staged a sit-in protest in front of Rajiv Bhawan, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the suicide of Jyoshita Das, who was serving as an Assistant Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD).

Led by Congress MLA Pradip Sarkar, the protestors alleged political shielding of key individuals, particularly Rudra Pathak, the main contractor of the under-construction stadium where Das was associated professionally. Despite arrests of two PWD officials, Sarkar claimed the investigation is incomplete without questioning Pathak.

“Merely arresting two officials from the PWD is not enough,” said Sarkar. “The fact that the main contractor, Rudra Pathak, has not even been interrogated raises serious concerns of political protection.”

Sarkar demanded that the investigation take into account the suicide note reportedly left by Das, which allegedly points to the pressure and circumstances leading to her death. Congress leaders accused the government of deliberately avoiding action against Pathak because of his association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

They claimed that political bias is obstructing justice and that the lack of action against Pathak reflects a broader culture of impunity.

Jyoshita Das’s death has stirred public outrage in Bongaigaon and beyond, with growing demands for transparency and accountability. The local administration has not yet released an official response regarding the allegations or the next steps in the investigation.