GUWAHATI, July 31: The Assam Cabinet has approved the transfer of investigation of a suspected suicide case of a PWD engineer to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe.
A seven-member special investigation team (SIT) was earlier formed to investigate the case related to the recent death of Joshita Das, an assistant engineer who was posted under Bongaigaon sub-division.
“The site (where she was found dead) has been video-graphed and examined by the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) and crime scene officer. Inquest, post-mortem, CDR analysis, and seizures have been completed,” chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed mediapersons after the Cabinet meeting here on Thursday.
“Three accused have been arrested, and a notice under Section 94 BNSS has been issued. The case warrants a thorough investigation owing to public concern and possible inter-state links,” Sarma said.
Among other decisions, the state Cabinet also approved to expand the ambit of Chief Minister’s Jibon Anuprerana Scheme to cover all full-time current research scholars including (divyang scholars) enrolled in government/public institutions of state/Centre situated in Assam, admitted on or after April 1, 2021.
Owing to inclusion of all existing full-time research scholars who are pursuing irrespective of any reference year, the total number of potential beneficiaries would now increase from 1,300 to 9,953 applicants and, the revised financial outlay will be Rs 26.21 crore. Eligibility will be confined to research scholars from 2021 onwards only.
The Cabinet accorded administrative approval for round-the-clock drinking water from tap water supply facilities to Badarpur town from Barak River under the town water supply scheme.
It also approved providing ex-gratia assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased SwaJal Mitra/Jal Sahayak who dies in harness, a vital step in ensuring the well-being of their families and acknowledging their contributions and supporting their families in times of need.