Former Chhattisgarh minister and senior BJP leader Rajinder Pal Singh Bhatia was found hanging at his residence in Rajnandgaon district of the state on Sunday, in what police suspect is a case of suicide.
Bhatia, 72, was found hanging at his house in Chhuriya town in the evening, a police official said. Soon after being alerted about it, a police team rushed to the spot and his body was sent for post-mortem, he said.
Police are yet to confirm whether a suicide note has been recovered from the spot or not.
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Even though the motive behind his death was not yet confirmed, BJP leaders said that the three-time MLA from Khujji assembly constituency had been keeping unwell ever since he tested positive for Covid-19 in March this year.
Rajinder Pal Singh Bhatia, who was the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in the first BJP government led by Chief Minister Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh, was considered one of the party’s tallest leaders in the state.
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In 2013, he had revolted against the BJP for being denied an assembly ticket. He had then unsuccessfully contested as an independent candidate from Khujji seat during the state polls. However, he had later rejoined the party, the party leaders said.
His wife had died a few years back and his only son Jagjeet Singh Bhatia is in the management of a private hospital in Raipur, they said.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has expressed deep grief over the demise of former minister and former MLA from Khujji, Rajinderpal Singh Bhatia. Expressing condolences to the bereaved family members of Rajinderpal Singh Bhatia, CM Baghel has prayed to God for the peace of his soul.
(With inputs from PTI)
