SHILLONG, April 8: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday described the sudden demise of Principal Secretary in charge of PHE and PWD, Syed Md A Razi, during a personal visit to Uzbekistan, as a great loss to the state.
“It’s very unfortunate and deeply saddening that we received the news yesterday about the passing of one of our senior officials, Razi, who was in Uzbekistan on a personal trip along with a few other officials from different states,” said Sangma.
Razi was on vacation in Uzbekistan when the incident occurred. “That particular morning, there was no response from his room. The door had to be forcibly opened, and he was found lying lifeless,” the chief minister said.
“Preliminary information suggests that he suffered a heart attack in his sleep. He was discovered by a colleague, along with hotel staff, later that morning,” Sangma added. “It is truly a very big loss for the state.”
Recalling Razi’s background, Sangma said he was an officer from the Indian Railway Services who came to Meghalaya on deputation about four years ago. “Given his capabilities, the then Additional Chief Secretary, now Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, had recommended him to lead the Jal Jeevan Mission as its Mission Director.”
The chief minister noted that Razi performed exceptionally well despite various challenges, which led the state to seek a one-year extension of his tenure as his four-year term was nearing its end. “The extension was approved, and we had received confirmation just a few weeks ago,” he said.
He also shared that Razi’s wife, a central government officer, had travelled to Uzbekistan to bring back his mortal remains. “I’m told they should be arriving by late evening today. The family will then proceed with the necessary steps for the final rites and other formalities.”
