Arunachal ex-CM Kalikho Pul commits suicide (Fourth Lead)

Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, unseated on July 13 by a Supreme Court ruling, on Tuesday committed suicide, triggering shock waves nationwide, police said.

Pul, 47, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his official residence. Incumbent Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein confirmed to IANS that Pul had committed suicide.

"We have also recovered a suicide note from the room where the former Chief Minister committed suicide. I am not in a position to divulge much at this moment," said a senior police official.

Although Pema Khandu became the Chief Minister on July 16, Pul was yet to vacate the Chief Minister's residence.

A Congress leader, Pul assumed office on February 19, unseating then Congress Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

Later, Pul and his supporters joined the Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA), a regional outfit.

After the Supreme Court reinstated the Tuki government, Pul and his supporters returned to the Congress and supported Khandu for him to become the Chief Minister.

Congress MP Ninong Ering said he was shocked by Pul's suicide.

"Maybe loneliness crept into him. When your mind is empty, it is a devil's workshop," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Pul's death.

"My thoughts are with the family and supporters of Kalikho Pulji on his sad demise. His service to Arunachal Pradesh will be remembered," he said.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said he was "shocked and deeply saddened over the untimely demise of Kalikho Pulji. My heart goes out to his family".

Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Development for Northeastern Region, added: "Pul had a promising career that has been cut short."

Communist leader D. Raja called the suicide "shocking" and said it was for the central government to find out what had happened.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, son of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, said: "We are really saddened. He was just 47 years old. We pray for Pul's family."

Pul, who represents Hyuliang constituency in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, had served in various capacities in the Arunachal Pradesh including as the finance minister, power minister and tribal affairs minister.

--IANS

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