Tragic Toll of Electoral Revision Pressure in West Bengal

A booth-level officer and a senior citizen in West Bengal died under the strain of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The officer, Ashok Das, allegedly succumbed to pressure, while Putu Sheikh's death was linked to anxiety from SIR hearing notices. Investigations are ongoing.

In West Bengal, pressure from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls allegedly claimed the lives of two individuals. A booth-level officer named Ashok Das and a senior citizen, Putu Sheikh, died in separate incidents reportedly linked to the stress of the revision process.

Das, an assistant teacher, was found dead at his Kolkata residence. His family claimed immense pressure from SIR-related duties. Meanwhile, Sheikh, hailing from Samserganj, reportedly died of a heart attack after receiving flawed SIR notices. The police are investigating both cases thoroughly.

The issue has sparked concern among state officials. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reported to the Chief Election Commissioner about multiple deaths and health issues stemming from the SIR exercise, citing fear, intimidation, and an overwhelming workload as contributing factors.

(With inputs from agencies.)