Assam election officer seeks leave citing 'suicidal tendencies' due to alleged harassment from IAS official

A recent development has surfaced where a revenue circle officer in Bijni has applied for extraordinary leave.

The request stems from allegations of mental harassment at the hands of a senior IAS officer stationed in Chirang. 

The IAS officer in question has been identified as Abhishek Jain who is currently posted as SDO (civil) in Bijni, Assam.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Election Officer, Assam, the female election officer who is also the revenue circle officer in its letter states- "Unable to perform the assigned duties for the few days due to severe depression resulting from mental harassment and humiliation from IAS officer Abhishek Jain (District Election Officer, Bijni)"

Further, the letter also highlighted a series of incidents against the IAS officer and stated that on December 16, 2023, Abhishek Jain called up the undersigned to inquire about a matter relating to land allotment. 

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The circle officer also alleged that the IAS officer spoke harshly with a threatening tone which was shocking as well as humiliating and disconnected the phone without allowing presenting the case.

In the letter, the female officer also highlighted that the IAS officer tried to exclude her from departmental work by excluding her social media group designated for office-related work.

"On 17/12/2023 at 10.00 AM, Abhishek Jain had called town Lot Mandal Abhiram Das and SK Rajendra Wary to his office where Abhiram Das was instructed to open a Whatsapp group with him, Election Officer Bijni and the Staff of Circle Officer, Bijni with a clear instruction to not include the CO, Bijni in the group. A similar Whatsapp group was opened by Amen Bayan, AEE Bijni Municipal Board with the same instruction to not include the Executive Officer, Bijni Municipal Board. The undersigned being the Circle Officer, Bijni and Executive Office, Bijni Municipal Board was highly embarrassed and humiliated in front of the staff for having parallel groups without their office head," the letter stated. 

The woman officer also claimed that she is under a psychological fear that if she fails to perform a duty the IAS officer would use this opportunity to reprimand and again humiliate her.

"With a constant fear, I will not be able to perform my duties well and serve the people of Bijni to the fullest...Hence requesting to intervene as my mental health is deteriorating which in turn is affecting my physical health as I have been having sleepless nights due to anxiety, stress and trauma. I have reached a breakdown point now leading to severe depression as well as suicidal tendencies at times," the letter added.

Reacting to the allegation levelled upon the IAS officer Abhishek Jain, the SDO said, "I have given few duties to perform for public welfare following which few allegations have come up against me and I will give a written reply in which everything will be clear."

The current scenario reveals the darker side of administrative duties, where power dynamics can lead to instances of emotional abuse and harassment. 

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Assam government will respond to the election officer's plea for leave due to the alleged mental harassment. 

The outcome may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of a safe and respectful work environment for all civil servants