Veteran Tripura CPI-M leader commits suicide

Speaker of Tripura Legislative Assembly Sunil Kumar Chowdhury was found hanging from a tree at his residence in Sabroom town, about 140 km from here.

86-year-old Chowdhury, a five-time MLA, committed suicide yesterday. He was cremated with full state honours at his home in Sabroom in the South Tripura district today.

In a suicide note, the police said he had mentioned of unbearable pain from his diseases as the cause behind taking such a step. Chowdhury was suffering from old-age problems.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, who is presently in Kolkata, in a condolence message, said Chowdhury’s death was an irreparable loss to the party.

A press statement issued by the Tripura unit of CPI(M) said “The party will always remember his contribution with deep respect. He was an example of a good organiser and always worked for communal harmony and peace.”

Chowdhury was a member of the undivided CPI since 1953 and joined the CPI(M) in 1964.

He is survived by his wife, four daughters and a son.