TRDA Probe will continue despite Asish Banerjee’s death, CM Suvendu Adhikari says, as investigations into alleged irregularities in the development authority proceed.
Qalam Times News Network
Rampurhat, Birbhum | August 29, 2026
TRDA Probe into alleged irregularities involving the Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA) will not be halted because of the death of former Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said during his visit to Rampurhat on Saturday.
Ashis Banerjee
The TRDA Probe, according to the Chief Minister, is a separate matter from the tragedy surrounding Banerjee’s death. Adhikari said the investigation into allegations of corruption and financial irregularities would continue and that further action would be taken on the basis of its findings.
Adhikari visited Banerjee’s family at his Rampurhat residence 12 days after the veteran TMC leader was found dead at a party office near his home. Banerjee, a former minister and former Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly, had represented Rampurhat for several terms and had also served as chairman of the TRDA.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the family, Adhikari described Banerjee’s death as deeply painful and referred to him as a senior political leader. The Chief Minister also recalled his personal association with the former legislator, saying he was proud that a Kali idol he had once given Banerjee was still kept in the family home and was reportedly worshipped by him every morning.
TRDA Allegations Remain Under Investigation
The circumstances surrounding Banerjee’s death have brought renewed attention to the TRDA and allegations of irregularities linked to the development authority.
Banerjee was found hanging at a party office near his Rampurhat residence on August 16. A handwritten letter was recovered from the premises. Investigators have been examining the document, although reports have stressed that the authenticity and full significance of the purported suicide note are matters for the investigation.
In the letter, Banerjee reportedly denied having any operational role in several key areas of the TRDA. He stated that his responsibilities were limited to attending general meetings and said he was not a member of the tender committee. He also claimed that he had no authority over cheque issuance, building-plan approvals or the granting of no-objection certificates.
Banerjee further maintained that such matters had never been discussed with him. He also denied taking money in exchange for official or political work and objected to what he described as attempts to damage his reputation.
The TRDA was established to oversee development, planning, infrastructure and tourism-related activities in and around Tarapith and Rampurhat. Banerjee served as its chairman while continuing his political career as the Rampurhat MLA.
Questions surrounding the authority intensified after allegations of financial wrongdoing emerged before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election. A probe was subsequently initiated into the alleged irregularities.
Against this backdrop, Adhikari made it clear on Saturday that Banerjee’s death would not bring the investigation to an end. He said the authorities had already conducted an inquiry into the TRDA and that further investigation would continue, followed by appropriate action.
The Chief Minister also said that any possible link between Banerjee’s death and alleged threats from people involved in corruption would have to be established through investigation. He rejected, however, suggestions that the former TMC leader had been subjected to pressure or provocation from the BJP.
During his visit, Adhikari met Banerjee’s wife and other members of the family. Banerjee’s son, Shatadal Banerjee, later expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for remaining in contact with the family following the incident.
Adhikari also left his personal mobile number with the family members so that they could contact him if necessary.
The visit was part of the Chief Minister’s wider programme in Birbhum, where he held administrative meetings and announced several measures concerning Tarapith and the surrounding area.
Among the announcements was a special allocation of ₹5 crore for Tarapith’s development. The government also plans to introduce flower showers from helicopters for devotees during major occasions, similar to arrangements seen at other prominent religious destinations.
The Chief Minister directed the administration to establish police camps at intervals of about five kilometres along the route to Tarapith. These camps are also expected to provide basic medical assistance to visitors.
Adhikari further instructed the district administration to explore the construction of a large tourist lodge at Tarapith. He said the facility should cater particularly to middle- and lower-middle-income visitors who may find existing accommodation expensive.
The Chief Minister also commented on a recent hotel fire at Tarapith in which several tourists died. Referring to the reported condition of the premises, he said the government would examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the safety arrangements at the hotel.
During his Birbhum visit, Adhikari also spoke about the Deocha-Pachami coal project and the revenue generated from the region.
According to the Chief Minister, the state has collected more than ₹255 crore in revenue from the Deocha-Pachami coal area over the past three months. He contrasted this figure with the approximately ₹82 crore collected in an entire year during the previous government’s tenure.
Adhikari said the government was preparing a roadmap for the future development of Deocha-Pachami and indicated that he would return to Birbhum in September to provide further details.
The Chief Minister’s visit therefore combined a personal meeting with the bereaved family, administrative announcements for Tarapith and a clear political message that the investigation into alleged TRDA irregularities would continue despite Banerjee’s death.
For now, the circumstances surrounding Banerjee’s death and the allegations connected with the TRDA remain separate but closely watched matters, with investigators expected to determine the facts before any final conclusions are drawn.
