How many more need to die for SIR?: Another BLO dies by suicide in Bengal as Mamata attacks ECI
Another BLO has allegedly died by suicide in West Bengal, with family and a note blaming immense pressure from ECI's electoral roll work. This second recent BLO death has triggered strong condemnation from CM Mamata Banerjee, who slammed the Election Commission.
New Delhi: Another Booth Level Officer (BLO) has allegedly died by suicide in West Bengal, this time in Nadia district. The BLO was found dead at her home on the morning of November 22, and the incident has triggered further storms.
According to the allegations hurled by the family members, the deceased, Rinku Tarafdar, was under considerable pressure due to SIR-related work in the state and hence died by suicide. She was reportedly found hanging from the ceiling of her room at her home in the Bangaljhi area of Krishnanagar's Chapra.
The Police said, "The family is claiming that she was under immense pressure due to her SIR workload. We have recovered a note from her room. The body has been sent for postmortem. A necessary probe is underway." According to reports, Rinku had blamed the ECI in her alleged suicide note.
Mamata Banerjee attacks ECI
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to X and said, "Profoundly shocked to know of the death of yet another BLO, a lady para-teacher,who has committed suicide at Krishnanagar today . BLO of part number 201 of AC 82 Chapra, Smt Rinku Tarafdar, has blamed ECI in her suicide note ( copy is attached herewith) before committing suicide at her residence today."
She added, "How many more lives will be lost? How many more need to die for this SIR? How many more dead bodies shall we see for this process? This has become truly alarming now!!" She has written to the CEC, blaming its "unplanned and coercive drive” for allegedly 'endangering lives'.
Earlier, a 48-year-old BLO named Shantimoni Ekka had allegedly died by suicide. She lived in Rangamati Panchayat and was recently entrusted with SIR duties as a BLO. Allegedly under tremendous pressure, she had been distributing and collecting forms, and trouble had increased since she was allegedly the only BLO for her booth. Mentally drained, she allegedly took the drastic step, and her family found the body in the courtyard.