CBI books retired NFR Deputy Chief Engineer in ₹88 lakh DA case
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against retired Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Deputy Chief Engineer Sajal Kanti Das for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, according to officials. The CBI's Guwahati branch filed the case on 21 September 2026, marking the formal start of its investigation into the couple's alleged asset accumulation over a six-year period.
The Disproportionate Assets Allegation
According to the probe agency, Sajal Kanti Das and his wife Sangita Das allegedly accumulated disproportionate assets worth approximately ₹88.20 lakh between 2016 and 2022. The CBI claims the couple's total assets, valued at around ₹39.85 lakh in 2016, grew to ₹1,28,66,946 by 2022 — an increase that forms the basis of the disproportionate assets (DA) case.
Properties and Holdings Under Scrutiny
The investigation has identified several properties and financial holdings allegedly linked to the couple in Assam's Cachar district. Among the assets under scrutiny is a house valued at approximately ₹19 lakh, reportedly constructed on five kathas of land at Rangpur locality in Cachar district. The CBI has also claimed that substantial parcels of land in Udharbond and Lakhipur localities were held in the name of Sangita Das.
Additionally, the agency claims that Sangita Das owned a commercial property in the Club Road area of Silchar, valued at around ₹34 lakh. A flat on the same road, worth more than ₹20 lakh, was allegedly registered in Sajal Kanti Das's name.
Bank Accounts and Financial Holdings
As part of its investigation, the CBI also identified multiple bank accounts, fixed deposits, and term deposits maintained separately by the retired railway engineer and his wife. The financial holdings reportedly involve amounts running into several lakhs of rupees, and remain subject to detailed verification by the agency.
Background and Service Record
Sajal Kanti Das served as Deputy Chief Engineer with the Northeast Frontier Railway at Jiribam. This case comes amid a broader push by the CBI to investigate public servants — including retired officials — for alleged financial irregularities. Notably, DA cases against railway and other central government employees have seen increased scrutiny in recent years, with the CBI's regional branches taking the lead in pursuing legacy matters involving retired personnel.
What Happens Next
The registration of the case marks only the beginning of the formal probe. Further action will depend on findings from the investigation and verification of financial records and properties linked to the accused. The properties, bank deposits, and other financial holdings identified by the CBI remain under investigation and no charges have been framed as yet.