A Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA is suspected to have committed suicide by jumping from the third floor of the city's MLA hostel on Sunday evening.
Mostafa Bin Quasem, who was elected from Basirhat Uttar in North 24 Parganas district, is believed to have jumped from his quarters in room number 411. Police officials said that a suicide note had been found, but its contents were not revealed.
Mr. Quasem may have jumped out of his room's window when none of his family members was present. The MLA's son, on returning home, searched for him everywhere until he noticed the body lying on the parapet of the first floor, said outgoing West Bengal Assembly Speaker Hashim Abdul Halim, who rushed to the site of the tragedy.
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Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Industries Minister Partha Chatterjee also rushed to the MLA hostel, straight from the residence of Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, where a meeting had been held.
Ms. Banerjee, who had been extending invitations to Mr. Mukherjee to come to the State Secretariat for a cup of tea, appeared very grave at the MLA hostel when she told journalists: “I am at a loss for words to console the family.”
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The Chief Minister was informed about the incident during the meeting, and she got it immediately verified from the police.
She said the post-mortem examination of the MLA's body would be conducted speedily to ensure Mr. Quasem's dignity. She later visited the Medical College and Hospital Kolkata where the body was sent for the post-mortem.
The State Committee of the CPI(M) expressed deep sorrow over his death.