Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Sunday that law enforcement authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into whether former Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was facing intimidation or threats prior to his death. The statement followed the discovery of the veteran politician’s body hanging inside a Trinamool Congress office in Rampurhat, Birbhum district.
Addressing the incident, the Chief Minister stated that investigators will examine a purported suicide note recovered from the premises, which was written on the former legislator’s official letterhead pad, alongside a forensic evaluation of the handwriting. While expressing condolences over the passing of the veteran leader, Adhikari directed police personnel to extend full support to the bereaved family while looking into potential coercion.
The Chief Minister voiced concerns that corrupt elements within the Trinamool Congress may have exerted undue pressure or issued threats against the five-time lawmaker. The recovered note reportedly stated that no individual was directly responsible for his death and expressed deep personal remorse over entering politics.
Reiterating the administration’s stance on ensuring a transparent inquiry, Adhikari emphasized that call records, personal communications, and surrounding circumstances will be reviewed to determine if any extortion or blackmail contributed to the tragedy.
