TMC councillor Sanjay Das found hanging at Kolkata residence

Sanjay Das, 50, who represented Ward No.18 and served as chairman-in-council of the civic body, was discovered hanging inside his room at his residence, according to police and local reports. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings indicate suicide, though officers said all possible angles are being examined.

The death triggered political reactions in West Bengal, particularly because Das was reportedly considered close to influential TMC leaders in the Dum Dum region. Several local party leaders and supporters gathered outside his residence after news of the incident spread.

According to several reports, Das had allegedly been under mental stress in recent months amid ongoing investigations into alleged recruitment irregularities linked to the South Dum Dum Municipality.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh pays his last respects to Sanjay Das. Photo: AITC/X

Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probes into municipal recruitment practices in the region have led to questioning and arrests of several political figures in recent months.

Former West Bengal fire services minister Sujit Bose was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on May 11 in connection with the alleged South Dum Dum Municipality recruitment scam.

Bose and his son Samudra Bose had been summoned earlier in the day for questioning by investigators.

Police said forensic teams have begun examining evidence from the residence, and statements from family members and associates are being recorded as part of the investigation. No suicide note has officially been confirmed so far.