Himachal Pradesh BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma found dead; suicide suspected

New Delhi, Mar 17: Ram Swaroop Sharma, BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh has been found dead at his residence in Delhi. He is suspected to have died by suicide.

Reportedly, Sharma was allegedly suffering from severe depression and he was alone at his house when he took the extreme decision as his wife was on the Char Dhaam pilgrimage.

According to the police, a call was made to the Police Control Room (PCR) around 7.45 am by his aide after the parliamentarian did not respond to knocks on his door. A police team reached the spot and forced open the door and found Sharma hanging from a ceiling fan.

Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide, the police said, adding that no suicide note was found from the spot.

An inquiry is underway and the exact cause of his death will be ascertained after a post-mortem examination, the police said. Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 1 PM after an obituary reference to Sharma.

PM Modi expressed grief at the deaths of Lok Sabha MP Ram Swaroop Sharma and extended his condolences to their families and supporters.

''Shri Ram Swaroop Sharma was a dedicated leader, who was always committed to solving people's problems. He worked tirelessly for the betterment of society. Pained by his untimely and unfortunate demise. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sad hour. Om Shanti,'' Modi tweeted.

Sharma, a two time MP was born at Jalpehar village in Mandi district on June 10, 1958. He was elected to the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha from Mandi parliamentary constituency in 2014 and 2019 respectively.

Sharma was currently a Member of the Standing Committee on External Affairs and the Consultative Committee, Ministry of External Affairs.