BJP's 3-time MLA and Rajinder Nagar candidate commits suicide

New Delhi, Nov 16 (UNI) BJP's sitting MLA and contestant from Rajinder Nagar constituency Puran Chand Yogi allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself at his Inderpuri residence in South-West district today.

Yogi, 73, three-time legislator from Rajinder Nagar in Central Delhi, was found hanging from the ceiling fan by his wife this morning, said the police.

''She had gone to check him on the first floor of their residence, at about 0700 hrs, after his phone kept ringing incessantly and there was no response.'' Earlier, after waking up at 0500 hrs, Mr Yogi had spoken to his wife and then went to his room upstairs where the election campaign material had been stocked.

''Till 0700 hrs nothing was heard from there but later when several calls started coming for Yogi on his mobile phone, his wife went upstairs to enquire and found him hanging.'' No suicide note has been found.

Investigations were on and family members were being questioned, police added.

Family sources said he was alright till last night except for a little pressure of elections.

His party collegues while expressing shock at the development called him an asset and a dedicated soldier of the party.

Yogi leaves behind his wife, a daughter and son.

He was cremated at the Inderpuri cremation ground in the evening where several party bigwigs paid their last respects.

The Election Commission has, however, not yet taken any decision on cancelling the election to the seat.

Yogi was a three-time MLA and was contesting for the fourth time from Rajender Nagar constituency against Congress candidate Ramakant Goswami for the November 29 Delhi Assembly polls.

UNI AN SKB KN1721