Archive · 16 Aug 2026
West Bengal CM orders probe into TMC MLA Asish Banerjee's death
A very important politician in West Bengal, India, named Asish Banerjee, was found dead in his party's office.
He was 74 years old and had been a leader for a long time.
The police are trying to figure out what happened.
They found a note near him that said nobody was responsible for his death.
But his family does not believe he hurt himself, because he seemed happy the night before.
The Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, has asked for a careful investigation.
There is a big argument between two groups inside his political party.
One group says he was treated badly and pushed to do this.
The other group says he was upset about corruption in the party.
Everyone is sad and wants to know the truth.
The leaders are asking people to be careful with their words.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered a thorough investigation into the death of former Deputy Speaker and five-time TMC MLA Asish Banerjee.
Banerjee, 74, was found dead on Sunday morning inside a TMC party office in Hattalapara, Rampurhat, Birbhum district, with both doors locked from inside.
A purported handwritten note found near the body denies wrongdoing regarding the Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority and states 'no one is responsible for my death.'
Banerjee's family rejected the suicide theory, saying he showed no signs of distress during dinner the night before and demanded a proper investigation.
The death has sparked a blame game between the TMC's official leadership and the rebel faction led by Ritabrata, with each side accusing the other of instigation and corruption.
- Who
- Asish Banerjee, a five-time TMC MLA and former Deputy Speaker of West Bengal; Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered the probe.
- What
- Banerjee was found dead inside a TMC party office; a probe was ordered into the circumstances of his death.
- When
- Found dead on Sunday morning; the investigation was ordered after his death.
- Where
- Inside a TMC party office in Hattalapara, Rampurhat, in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating whether Banerjee faced threats before his death, amid political tensions between TMC factions.
TMC Official Leadership
TMC Rebel Faction
Cause of death and responsibility
TMC Official Leadership
TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh alleged Banerjee was unable to cope with fear of social stigma and humiliation, saying 'even if it was suicide, it was the result of instigation,' and demanded action against those who provoked him.
TMC Rebel Faction
Ritabrata's camp blamed alleged corruption and 'organised loot' over 15 years for creating a backlash, saying 'innocent politicians had to bear the responsibility' for the actions of a few.
Banerjee's allegiance
TMC Official Leadership
Ghosh claimed Banerjee had been pressured into joining the rebel camp after the TMC's poor 2026 Assembly election showing, insisting he wanted to remain with the Mamata-led party.
TMC Rebel Faction
The rebel camp portrayed Banerjee's association as stemming from his own disillusionment with the party's functioning and concerns over corruption.
Blame for alleged smear campaign
TMC Official Leadership
TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged a sustained smear campaign against him under the new BJP administration.
TMC Rebel Faction
Ritabrata said Banerjee had repeatedly tried to warn the 'Kalighat' leadership that 'what was happening was not right,' but was ignored.
- Deceased
- Asish Banerjee, 74, five-time TMC MLA and former Deputy Speaker
- Location
- TMC party office, Hattalapara, Rampurhat, Birbhum district, West Bengal
- Date of death
- Sunday morning
- Post-mortem
- Rampurhat Medical College
- Key evidence
- Handwritten note, call records, locked doors from inside
- Family reaction
- Rejected suicide theory; demanded proper investigation
- Political context
- Tension between TMC official leadership and rebel faction led by Ritabrata