The deceased has been identified as Khushboo Chaubey, a native of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. She was employed as an assistant engineer in the SMS (Steel Melting Shop) department of the JSW Power Plant and had been residing in the company-provided hostel.
According to preliminary information, Khushboo was last seen earlier in the day and had spoken to her family members over the phone in the afternoon. When her room remained locked for several hours in the evening and repeated knocks went unanswered, hostel staff and colleagues grew concerned. They eventually managed to open the door, where they found her hanging from a noose inside the room.
The matter was immediately reported to the police. A Bhupdevpur police team reached the spot, secured the room, and initiated procedural formalities. The body was taken down in the presence of officials, and a panchnama was prepared before it was sent to the mortuary for post-mortem examination.
Bhupdevpur police station in-charge Sanjay Nag said that Khushboo had joined JSW in 2024 and had been working at the Raigarh plant since then. “At present, the exact reason behind the incident is not known. She had spoken to her family members earlier in the day, and no complaint or distress call has been reported so far,” he said.
Police have registered a marg (unnatural death) case and stated that the investigation will focus on establishing the circumstances leading up to the incident. Statements of colleagues, hostel staff, and family members will be recorded, and the contents of her mobile phone and personal belongings may also be examined as part of the inquiry.
Officials said further action would be taken after the post-mortem report is received. The JSW management has not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the industrial township, with colleagues describing Khushboo as a quiet and dedicated professional. Police have reiterated that no conclusions should be drawn until the investigation is complete.
