Shillong, March 26: A handwritten note purportedly left by Guwahati-based businessman Sijo Jacob, who died in a Shillong hotel room in early 2024, has resurfaced online, directly naming BJP’s Guwahati Central candidate Vijay Gupta and holding him responsible for his death.
The note, addressed to “Mr Vijay Gupta, Assam BJP” and carrying a mobile number attributed to him, describes the deceased’s financial distress and alleged betrayal linked to a government-related project. It opens with a statement declaring the document as a suicide note and accuses Gupta of being responsible for the circumstances leading to his death.
Jacob, 47, had checked into a hotel in Shillong’s Khyndailad area on February 28, 2024. After he failed to respond for several days, hotel staff alerted authorities. Police later entered the room and found him dead on the bed, with blood stains near his mouth. Preliminary findings suggested a possible overdose of sedatives and anti-depressants, while no foul play was established at the time.
In the note, Jacob alleged that around Rs 1.20 crore collected from investors for EMD and PBG-related purposes was deposited into the accounts of a firm, Galaxy Scales & Systems Pvt. Ltd., which he claimed was introduced into the project through a relative of Gupta. He further alleged that investors were not paid their dues and accused Gupta of taking control of the project despite having no prior financial stake.
The document also refers to the involvement of Silver Touch Technologies Ltd., alleging that the company was used to sideline him and other stakeholders, resulting in financial losses. Jacob claimed that a promised share in the project’s profits never materialised.
The closing portion of the note combines an appeal for investigation with strongly worded remarks directed at Gupta. Jacob urged authorities to conduct a proper inquiry and ensure that investors recover their money, while expressing personal anguish over the situation.
Originally from Thrissur in Kerala, Jacob had lived in Guwahati for over 15 years. He was associated with digital ventures and had earlier run an IT training centre before moving to Assam, where he founded platforms such as Fit Northeast and East Echo.
The note’s resurfacing comes at a politically sensitive time, as Gupta is contesting the Guwahati Central seat in the upcoming 2026 Assam Assembly elections. No response had been received from him regarding the allegations at the time of publication.
Authorities have not yet issued any fresh statement on the matter, and the contents of the note remain unverified as investigations into the circumstances surrounding Jacob’s death continue.
