Kolkata: Former West Bengal minister and TMC leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office in Birbhum district on Sunday. Police are investigating the circumstances of his death, while his body has been sent for postmortem.
Banerjee, 74, was a five-time MLA from Rampurhat and represented the constituency for 25 years before losing the 2026 Assembly election to BJP’s Dhruba Saha.
A purported note recovered after his death reportedly claimed that he had no role in tender decisions, cheque issuance, plan approvals or NOCs linked to the Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority. He also allegedly said he had never taken money for official work.
The note reportedly expressed frustration over alleged wrongdoings within his party and claimed that he could not always protest against them. He also alleged attempts to damage his reputation and said entering politics had been a mistake.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee expressed grief and said the purported note raised serious questions about the allegations faced by Asish Banerjee.
BJP’s Dhruba Saha also mourned his death and called for a proper investigation. Police are examining the circumstances and the contents of the purported note.