Mamata Banerjee’s niece, who lost job post teacher-recruitment probe, found dead in Birbhum - Telegraph India

**Mamata Banerjee’s niece, Bristy Mukherjee, found dead in Birbhum**

*Birbhum, West Bengal –* On Saturday, local police confirmed that Bristy Mukherjee, a 31‑year‑old software engineer and the niece of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was discovered dead inside a rented house in the rural town of Suri, Birbhum district. The body was found by a family member who had gone to the residence after not hearing from Mukherjee for several days. A preliminary post‑mortem conducted by the district medical officer indicated that the cause of death was asphyxiation, and the police have classified the case as a probable suicide pending a full investigation.

Mukherjee had been at the centre of a high‑profile controversy earlier this year when she was selected for a teaching post in the state’s school‑teacher recruitment drive, only to have the appointment rescinded after a probe uncovered alleged irregularities in the selection process. The probe, led by the West Bengal School Service Commission, concluded that her name had been added to the merit list in violation of established guidelines. Following the cancellation, Mukherjee reportedly lost the job offer and was under considerable personal and professional stress, according to sources close to the family.

The Birbhum police have opened a formal case of “unnatural death” and are examining the scene for any evidence of foul play. A suicide note allegedly found at the site has not been made public. The niece’s parents have expressed profound grief, describing her as “a bright, caring daughter who was overwhelmed by recent events.” Chief Minister Banerjee, speaking from Kolkata, conveyed her condolences but refrained from commenting on the investigation, urging the authorities to conduct a “transparent and swift inquiry.” Opposition parties have called for an independent probe, while civil‑society groups have highlighted the pressures faced by individuals entangled in political recruitment scandals.