TMC factions trade allegations after Ashis Banerjee death

Rival Trinamool Congress factions have exchanged allegations over threats and harassment after the death of former deputy speaker Ashis Banerjee, whose body was found on Sunday in a party office in Rampurhat. English Mathrubhumi reports that the Kalighat camp, loyal to Mamata Banerjee, accused the rebel camp of forcing Banerjee to switch sides. Kunal Ghosh, a Kalighat spokesperson, alleged that influential people in Birbhum coerced Banerjee under pressure from police and investigative agencies.

The rebel camp, led by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, has focused on corruption. The Hindu reports that opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee said the purported suicide note referenced tenders and claimed decisions on tenders were taken from the party's Kolkata office. The rebel side has argued that leaders not involved in wrongdoing were unfairly tainted. The Kalighat camp has also accused BJP supporters of harassing Banerjee.

The police are expected to examine Banerjee's phone records, messages and the suicide note. The Hindu notes that the Adhikari government is aggressively pursuing corruption cases from the previous regime. The investigation will determine whether Banerjee faced threats or other pressure before his death.