Guwahati: Shiladitya Chetia, a 2009-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer serving as Secretary of the Home and Political Department in the Assam government, died by suicide on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred just ten minutes after the death of his wife, who succumbed to terminal brain cancer in the ICU of a Guwahati hospital.
Details of the Incident
Dr. Hitesh Baruah, director of Nemcare Super Specialty Hospital in Guwahati, reported that Chetia’s wife had been battling fourth-stage carcinoma for several months. Chetia had been on leave for the past four months to care for her. On Tuesday evening, after being informed of his wife’s death, Chetia arrived at the hospital and requested the attending doctor and nurse to leave him alone with her body for a moment of prayer.
“Suddenly, they heard a loud noise. They went back running to see Chetia had shot himself and his body was lying in a pool of blood,” Dr. Baruah stated. Despite efforts to save him, Chetia succumbed to his injuries.
Chronology and Circumstances
Chetia’s wife passed away at around 4:24 pm, and he shot himself at approximately 4:32 pm. He used his service pistol to shoot himself in the back of the head. The couple, both in their early forties, had no children.
Reactions and Aftermath
Upon hearing the news, several senior police officers rushed to the hospital. An unnamed police official mentioned that Chetia had been mentally distressed due to his wife’s deteriorating health. Chetia had previously served as Superintendent of Police in Golaghat, Barpeta, and Sonitpur districts, and oversaw counter-insurgency operations in Tinsukia before becoming a secretary in the Assam government.
Official Condolences
The Director General of Assam Police, G P Singh, expressed his condolences on social media, stating: “In an unfortunate turn of events, Sri Shiladitya Chetia IPS 2009 RR, Secretary Home & Political Government of Assam, took his own life this evening, a few minutes after the attending physician declared the death of his wife who was battling cancer for a long time.”
Shiladitya Chetia’s tragic suicide, following the death of his wife from terminal cancer, has left the Assam police and government community in deep shock. Known for his dedication and service, Chetia’s passing marks a significant loss. His body has been taken to Guwahati Medical College hospital for postmortem.
