Mamata Banerjee's Niece Found Dead in Birbhum; Police Investigate Unnatural Death

A relative of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was found dead at her family home in Birbhum on Tuesday, prompting a police investigation into an unnatural death.

The deceased has been identified as Bristy Mukherjee, daughter of Nihar Ranjan Mukherjee, a maternal cousin of Mamata Banerjee. Her body was recovered from a room on the second floor of the family home in Kusumba village, in the Rampurhat area of Birbhum.

Family members said Bristy had been facing personal and family difficulties. A relative said she had been receiving treatment for depression for several years. Police are examining the possibility of suicide, but the exact cause of death has not yet been established.

Job loss after SSC recruitment case

Bristy had worked as a clerk at Bolpur High School. Her appointment was cancelled in March 2023 following the Calcutta High Court's directions in connection with alleged irregularities in the school recruitment process. Her father had previously maintained that she had secured the job on her own merit.

Divorce proceedings were also under way

According to people close to the family, Bristy had recently become involved in divorce proceedings and was facing considerable pressure in her personal life. The family said she had been receiving medical treatment and taking medication.

Police have registered a case of unnatural death and sent the body to Rampurhat Government Medical College for post-mortem examination. Investigators have questioned family members as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

The investigation is continuing, and the final cause of death will depend on the post-mortem findings and evidence collected by police.