Former Arunachal Pradesh CM Kalikho Pul Allegedly Commits Suicide

The rebel Congress leader was appointed as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in February 2016.

Rebel Congress MLA Kalikho Pul (highlighted) after being elected Chief Minister in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. (Photo: PTI)

Former chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh Kalikho Pul was found dead at his residence on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old rebel Congress leader was allegedly found hanging at his residence in the state capital Itanagar between 8 am and 9 am. There was no suicide note found at Pul’s residence, a source in the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

Citing Pul’s close aide, CNN News18 reports that he was suffering from depression and that he had a history of the illness. Pul maintained a personal dairy which is now being investigated by the police.

He became the acting Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on 19 February 2016. He was removed from the post after a Supreme Court decision restored the Nabam Tuki-led state government on 13 July.

Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh: Turning the Clock Back on the Political Crisis

Watch how Kalikho Pul was elected as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh:

Arunachal Govt Announces Magisterial Inquiry Into Pul’s Death

The Arunachal Pradesh government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul.

The state government has ordered an inquiry to investigate whether there is any foul play in his (Pul’s) death.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu

He said the police had been instructed to seize all available materials so that a genuine investigation process could be initiated.

Political Career of Kalikho Pul

Pul, who hails from Hawai in Anjaw district of the northeastern border state, was finance minister in Chief Minister Mukut Mithi between 1999 and 2003 and later in Gegong Apang’s cabinet from 2003 until 2007.

Hard working and close to the people, he took care of his people and he took care of his colleagues.

Mukut Mithi, Ex-Arunachal CM to <i>CNN News18</i>

He also served in the office of Late Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu. Pul was replaced as the Chief Minister by Dorjee Khandu’s son Pema Khandu.

The mortal remains of Kalikho Pul at his residence in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, 9 August 2016. (Photo Courtesy: ANI)

“Monumental Loss,” Says BJP Leader

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sudhanshu Mittal spoke to CNN News18 and expressed shock over Pul’s death.

Monumental loss. His removal completely demoralised and depressed him. He believed that the order only meant that the Speaker was reinstated and not the chief Minister. He believed that injustice was done to him.

Sudhanshu Mittal, BJP Leader

Pul, who took office with the support of BJP and rebel Congress MLAs, was ousted within four moths of assuming office after the Supreme Court reinstated Congress leader Nabam Tuki’s government.

Mittal, who claimed to have spoken to Pul on Monday, claimed that he was supposed to travel to Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the matter.

Late former chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh Kalikho Pul with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (IANS)

Pul’s Friends in Congress Shocked

While BJP leaders seemed to have an insight into Kalikho Pul’s condition, his colleagues from Congress have expressed shock. Lok Sabha member from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering blamed “loneliness” for Pul’s drastic step.

I am really shocked, I do not know what extreme reasons led to this. He was staying in the official CM’s house, maybe loneliness crept into him. When your mind is empty, it is a devil’s workshop. As per my last conversation with him, he was positive about the state. He said he was sure people will choose him again.

Ninong Ering, Conress Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal

Former CM Nabam Tuki completely denied Pul’s disapproval of the Supreme Court order reinstating Tuki over Pul. Tuki told CNN News18, “After the Supreme Court order, everyone was united.”

Nabam Tuki submits his resignation to the governor. (Photo Courtesy: ANI)

History of Suicide Attempts

The late former Chief Minster Kalikho Pul was not only reported to be depressed, but also has a history of suicide attempts.

In an interview with The Indian Express’ Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Pul spoke about a time in his childhood when he tried to commit suicide due to poverty.

There was a time when I wanted to commit suicide. While in Class VIII, I fell ill and needed to go to Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh for treatment. With just Rs 1,600 in hand, I ran from pillar to post for money. One aunt gave me two rupees, a niece just five. Crossing the cane and rope hanging bridge on the Lohit river with that meagre amount, I tried to jump down into the river. But every time I made an attempt, some passerby would stop me.

Kalikho Pul to <i>The Indian Express</i>

(With inputs from ANI, Anjana Dutta and The Indian Express)