Asish Banerjee Suicide Case: Ex-West Bengal Deputy Speaker Denies Corruption Allegations in Note
Police recovered a purported suicide note from the spot in which Ex-West Bengal Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee strongly denied involvement in corruption, expressed regret over entering politics and said no one was responsible for his death. Police are examining the note and investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, India Today reported.
Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker and Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found hanging at a party office near his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum, on Sunday. Police recovered a purported suicide note from the spot in which Banerjee strongly denied involvement in corruption, expressed regret over entering politics and said no one was responsible for his death. Police are examining the note and investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, India Today reported.
The development comes months after Banerjee lost the Rampurhat Assembly seat to BJP's Dhruba Saha in the 2026 West Bengal elections, ending his 25-year run as an MLA. Asish Banerjee, Former West Bengal Deputy Speaker, Found Dead at TMC Office in Birbhum (Video).
‘I Was Never Involved in Corruption’
The central focus of the purported note is Banerjee's denial of corruption allegations. According to reports, he wrote that he had never been involved in corruption during his political career and had never taken money for any work. He also expressed regret over joining politics, describing it as a mistake.
Banerjee also referred to alleged wrongdoing within the Trinamool Congress. He reportedly wrote that while he did not agree with some of the party's actions, he had been unable to protest against them. Mukul Roy Dies: Former Railway Minister and TMC Leader Passes Away at 73 in Kolkata After Prolonged Illness.
The note reportedly ended with the statement that no one was responsible for his death. Police have not independently established the authenticity or all the claims contained in the purported note.
Clarification Over Development Authority Role
Banerjee's note also reportedly addressed his role in the Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA). He claimed that his responsibilities were limited to attending general meetings and denied having any role in the authority's tender committee, cheque issuance, building-plan approvals or no-objection certificates.
He also alleged that attempts had been made to malign and humiliate him. The note, however, reportedly did not name anyone whom he believed was responsible for the alleged attempts.
Found Dead at TMC Office
Banerjee's body was found at a Trinamool Congress office adjoining his residence in Hattala Para, Rampurhat, on Sunday morning. Police reached the location and recovered the purported note. His body was sent for post-mortem examination as investigators began examining the circumstances of the death.
Authorities have not announced a final conclusion regarding the circumstances of his death. The contents of the note and the post-mortem findings are expected to form part of the investigation.
Five-Time MLA From Rampurhat
Banerjee represented Rampurhat in the West Bengal Assembly for five consecutive terms from 2001 to 2026. During the Trinamool Congress government's tenure, he served as Deputy Speaker and held ministerial responsibilities, including school education and agriculture. He was also associated with Rampurhat College as a teacher. His long political career came to an end electorally in the 2026 Assembly polls, when BJP candidate Dhruba Saha defeated him by more than 24,000 votes.
Political Setback Before Death
Banerjee's death follows a significant change in his political circumstances. The Trinamool Congress lost power in West Bengal in the 2026 Assembly election after 15 years in government. Banerjee also stepped down as chairman of the party's Birbhum district core committee in June, according to reports, although he remained a TMC member.
Several former TMC leaders and legislators have faced corruption-related investigations and arrests, adding political context to the claims made in Banerjee's purported note. However, the note's allegations and Banerjee's statements about corruption have not been independently established by police.
Investigation Underway
TMC leaders have described Banerjee as an honest and educated leader, while police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding his death and the contents of the purported note. For now, the investigation remains ongoing. The post-mortem examination and further police inquiry are expected to establish the circumstances of Banerjee's death and provide additional clarity on the claims contained in the note.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2026 11:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
