In a shocking sequence of events in Arunachal Pradesh, two individuals, including a senior government engineer, died by suicide within hours of each other. The first victim, a 19-year-old from Upper Subansiri district, was found dead in his rented accommodation in Lekhi village. The teenager had previously been arrested for impersonating a magistrate and extorting money from pubs and wine shops, allegedly collecting around ₹7 lakh through unauthorised fines.
Authorities recovered multiple handwritten suicide notes from the teenager’s room, in which he accused two senior officials, including the rural works department engineer, of prolonged sexual exploitation, coercion, and threats. The notes also alleged the teenager had contracted HIV and was threatened with exposure if he reported the abuse. Following the discovery of the notes, the teenager’s family demanded a fair and independent investigation and refused to take custody of the body until the matter was resolved.
Hours later, the executive engineer named in the notes reportedly shot himself at his residence in Khonsa. Police confirmed that the second senior officer mentioned in the notes remains untraceable, despite efforts to contact him. The Nirjuli Police Station has registered cases under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including abetment of suicide, negligent acts likely to spread infection, and provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The incidents have triggered widespread concern over abuse, harassment, and coercion within official systems. Authorities are now conducting forensic verification of the suicide notes and investigating the allegations made against the officials. The case has drawn attention to the need for vigilance against exploitation, particularly of young individuals in vulnerable positions, and highlights the importance of robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing abuse.
Mental health experts stress that suicide is preventable and urge anyone in distress to seek immediate professional help through dedicated helplines and support services.
