Meghalaya Principal Secretary Syed Md. A. Razi died in Uzbekistan under sudden and tragic circumstances, sending shockwaves across the state administration. Authorities discovered his lifeless body inside his hotel room in the city of Bukhara on Monday during what officials confirmed as a private visit to the Central Asian country. Razi, an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer on deputation to the Meghalaya government since 2021, was in Uzbekistan from April 4.
Officials suspect that cardiac arrest caused his untimely death. A senior government official said that after Razi failed to respond to phone calls on Monday morning, concerned hotel staff broke open the door to his room and found him unresponsive. The discovery left his colleagues and the state government reeling from the sudden loss.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed deep sorrow at the passing of the senior bureaucrat. In a heartfelt statement, Sangma described Razi as not only a remarkably efficient officer but also a person whose warmth left a lasting impact on everyone he met. The chief minister emphasized that Razi’s work ethic, commitment, and personal values stood out in every department he served. According to Sangma, Razi embodied public service in its truest sense and inspired those around him with his sense of responsibility.
Sangma also informed the media that Razi’s wife had been informed of the tragedy and was on her way to Bukhara to complete necessary formalities. The Meghalaya government has coordinated closely with Indian diplomatic officials in Uzbekistan to ensure smooth repatriation of the officer’s body.
The news has cast a shadow over the Meghalaya civil services, where Razi held key portfolios, including Principal Secretary in charge of Public Health Engineering and Public Works Department. His colleagues recalled him as a man of integrity, discipline, and generosity. They acknowledged how his leadership helped accelerate crucial infrastructure projects and boost morale in the bureaucracy. His sudden departure has created a void that many believe will be hard to fill.
Public Health Engineering staff members, in particular, expressed their grief, noting how Razi had personally involved himself in water supply and sanitation projects that impacted thousands of rural families. His commitment to improving infrastructure and public services in remote areas had earned him respect across the political and administrative spectrum.
Officials in Shillong gathered at the Secretariat on Tuesday morning to hold a moment of silence in Razi’s memory. The mood remained somber as several senior officers shared fond memories and anecdotes that highlighted his humanity and leadership. Those who worked closely with him described how he led by example and made time to mentor younger officers.
The Central government also took note of the incident, and the Ministry of Railways paid tribute to Razi for his exemplary service in both the Railways and his deputation tenure. They assured full support to the Meghalaya government and Razi’s family during the repatriation and final rites.
The Embassy of India in Tashkent has begun coordinating with local authorities to expedite documentation and formalities. Officials from the External Affairs Ministry confirmed that all diplomatic channels had been activated to provide assistance and logistical support.
As condolences poured in from various quarters, Meghalaya’s civil society remembered Razi as a rare officer who combined administrative acumen with compassion. His ability to navigate complex systems while maintaining approachability had earned him admiration even beyond the corridors of power.
The state government has also planned a formal memorial service once the body returns to India. Senior officials said they would remember Razi not only for his achievements but also for the values he upheld throughout his career. His legacy, they added, would live on in the institutions he served and the people he uplifted through his work.
Razi’s death has also sparked an outpouring of grief among residents in Meghalaya who had interacted with him during various public outreach programs. Many citizens took to social media to share their condolences and recount stories of his humility and approachability. In villages where he had personally overseen developmental initiatives, residents remembered his visits as moments of hope and progress. He had earned their trust by listening patiently to their concerns and taking swift action when needed.
In Bukhara, local authorities extended their full cooperation to Indian officials handling the matter. The hotel staff, visibly shaken by the incident, described Razi as courteous and soft-spoken during his short stay. They had noticed no signs of distress or health concerns in the days leading up to his death. This added a layer of shock to the discovery, further deepening the mystery around the circumstances, despite medical suspicion pointing toward cardiac arrest.
Several former colleagues of Razi from the Indian Railways also released public statements of mourning. They remembered him as a disciplined officer with exceptional knowledge of logistics and infrastructure development. His peers from the IRTS fraternity hailed his versatility and credited him for applying his railway experience meaningfully to state governance during his deputation in Meghalaya.
Political leaders across party lines acknowledged Razi’s professionalism and mourned his untimely passing. MLAs and cabinet ministers expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the loss of a bureaucrat they often relied on for crucial policy inputs. His neutral and efficient working style had earned him bipartisan respect, which is rare in state-level governance.
The Meghalaya Youth Federation and other civil organizations also issued condolences. Many of them had worked with Razi on youth engagement projects and awareness drives in health, sanitation, and education. They recalled his willingness to support innovative ideas and his belief in inclusive governance. His accessibility and responsiveness, they said, had motivated many to participate more actively in civic affairs.
As preparations continue for bringing his body back to India, the government has arranged for senior officials to accompany the family in their time of grief. A condolence book has been opened at the Secretariat in Shillong for visitors to pay their respects. The Chief Secretary announced that the government would soon organize a public memorial where people could honor Razi’s legacy and express solidarity with his family.
Schools and government offices in parts of Meghalaya observed a moment of silence on Tuesday afternoon. Educational institutions where Razi had served as a guest speaker or patron remembered his encouragement of students and his deep interest in youth development.
The tragedy has prompted reflection within the government on the need for more comprehensive health screenings for officers posted in high-pressure roles. Razi’s sudden demise serves as a solemn reminder of the emotional and physical demands faced by dedicated civil servants. As the state continues to grieve, the impact of his work and character continues to resonate with those who had the privilege of knowing him.