Rampurhat/Kolkata: Police probing the death of former Bengal deputy speaker and Trinamool minister Asish Banerjee are examining whether he faced threats from “unknown quarters” over alleged financial irregularities in the Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA).The probe follows demands for a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Banerjee’s death, with rebel MP Ritabrata Banerjee urging the state administration to examine all possible angles, including alleged incidents in which the former minister was heckled and humiliated by a local BJP neta in East Burdwan.Police are examining whether pressure or external provocation played a role in Banerjee’s death. “We will ascertain that there was no abetment from anyone before we give an official view,” a senior police officer said.The investigation has also brought renewed focus on the TRDA, established by former CM Mamata Banerjee in March 2015 to oversee infrastructure and development works in Tarapith and adjoining Rampurhat.Banerjee had served as TRDA chairman until May 4. The BJP had last year levelled corruption allegations against the authority, claiming its funds were being generated for political purposes.Following the allegations, the state Urban Development Department ordered an inquiry, deploying audit officers and appointing a senior IAS officer to head the probe. Separately, the Birbhum district administration ordered an audit of temple-related works carried out by the TRDA under an additional district magistrate-rank officer. No official report from either inquiry has been made public so far.
